Sir Colin Davis

With the London Symphony Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, conductor Sir Colin Davis left his mark on the English classical music scene. Born in Weybridge, Surrey, England on September 25, 1927, he studied clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music in London and turned to conducting after discovering Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ, a composer with whom he would remain associated, notably for his interpretation of the Symphonie fantastique in 1974. His first stint was with Kalmar, Sweden, then with London's Chelsea Opera Group, before he took over the reins of the Royal Festival Hall Ballet (1952). Appointed assistant conductor at BBC Scottish Opera (1957-1959), he was then hired by Saddler's Wells Theatre - England's national opera house - where he was Music Director until 1965. Frequently invited to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra, he recorded extensively and toured with the ensemble. From 1967 to 1971, Colin Davis officiated at the BBC Symphony Orchestra, then took over the direction of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (London) from 1971 to 1986. At the same time, he conducted at New York's Metropolitan Opera, at the Bayreuth Festival (1977) and in Boston (1972 to 1983). In 1983, he began his tenure with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Munich, Germany, where he remained until 1992. During this period, he recorded many symphonic works, particularly by Romantic-era composers. Colin Davis also served as honorary conductor of the Dresden Staatskapelle before finally taking over the helm of the London Symphony Orchestra, the culmination of his long career, from 1995 to 2006. He extended his symphonic repertoire and continued to conduct operas, an art in which he excelled, most notably in the works of Mozart. Enthroned in 1980, Sir Colin Davis accepted a position as guest conductor of the New York Philharmonic in 1998. With a discography of over 400 titles, he has recorded a series of concerts on the LSO label. In 2009, he was awarded the Queen's Medal for Music. Sir Colin Davis, 85, died in London on April 14, 2013.