Sir Andrew Davies: BBC Proms conductor dies aged 80

British conductor Sir Andrew Davies, who played with many of the world's finest orchestras, has died at the age of 80 from leukemia.

Sir Andrew was one of the longest serving conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

He was also a familiar face at the BBC Proms in London, where he was known for his humorous speeches.

His agent confirmed his death to BBC News, adding: “[He lived] A wonderful, rich and meaningful life.”

He added that Sir Andrew's career would be celebrated by many “for a long time”.

Condolences poured in for Sir Andrew after his death was announced.

In a statement on XThe Royal Opera House previously tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of conductor Sir Andrew Davies.

“In a career spanning more than five decades, he has been artistic leader of many of the world’s most distinguished opera and symphony institutions including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and Glyndebourne.”

Musician and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Written on X: “We are sad to learn of the passing of Sir Andrew Davies. A great musician who was brilliant with his soloists.

“I cherish the memory of Delius' beautiful 2012 concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra. In peace“.

Current conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo, Written on X: “I remember with the greatest respect and admiration all that Sir Andrew Davies did for music, especially for our cherished BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus over many decades.”

Born in 1944 in Hertfordshire, Sir Andrew studied at the Royal College of Music and King's College, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar before taking up conducting.

He has performed a wide range of repertoire ranging from contemporary to baroque.

Sir Andrew has performed the final night of the concerts several times, and in 1992, he delighted picnickers by singing the traditional conductor's oration set to a Gilbert and Sullivan tune.

He has also held international positions, including conducting the Toronto and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

He retired from the BBC in 2000 and later moved with his wife to the United States to take up the position of music director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Sir Andrew remained in the United States and died in Chicago.