One of today’s most recognized and acclaimed conductors, Sir Andrew Davis has a career that spans more than 50 years. During that time, he has been the musical and artistic leader at several of the world’s most distinguished opera and symphonic institutions, including Lyric Opera of Chicago (music director and principal conductor, 2000-2021), BBC Symphony Orchestra (conductor laureate; chief conductor, 1991-2004), Glyndebourne Festival Opera (music director, 1988-2000), Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (conductor laureate; chief conductor, 2013-2019) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (conductor laureate; pincipal conductor, 1975-1988).
He also holds the honorary title of conductor emeritus from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Sir Andrew has conducted virtually all of the world’s major orchestras, opera companies and festivals.
Born in 1944 in Hertfordshire, England, Davis studied at King’s College, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar before taking up conducting. His wide-ranging repertoire encompasses the Baroque to contemporary and spans the symphonic, operatic and choral worlds. A vast and award-winning discography documents Sir Andrew's artistry, with recent CDs including the works of Berlioz, Bliss, Elgar (winner of the 2018 Diapason d’Or de l’Année - Musique Symphonique), Finzi, Grainger, Delius, Ives, Holst, Handel (nominated for a 2018 Grammy for best choral performance), Vaughan Williams and York Bowen (2012 Grammy nomination for best orchestral performance). He currently records exclusively for Chandos Records.
In 1992, Davis was made a Commander of the British Empire, and in 1999, he was designated a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honors List.
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSO by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
