Conductor

Sir Colin Davis

1927 — 2013

About

Concerts and Operas

Wagner: Tannhäuser (Bayreuth 1978)

Friedrich, Davis

Opera190 Min

Albums

Elgar: Violin Concerto, op.61 / Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending

Hilary Hahn, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6; Tapiola

Boston Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Grieg: Peer Gynt & Holberg Suites; Piano Concerto etc.

Emil Gilels, Herbert von Karajan, Sir Colin Davis

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 24; Rondos

Ingrid Haebler, London Symphony Orchestra, Alceo Galliera, Sir Colin Davis, Witold Rowicki

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 – Piano Sonata No. 30

Stephen Kovacevich, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 3 & 4

Stephen Kovacevich, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Stephen Kovacevich, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Mozart: Exsultate, jubilate; Vesperae solennes; Kyrie in D Minor; Ave verum corpus

Kiri Te Kanawa, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Ryland Davies, Gwynne Howell, John Constable, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

Appears On

Documentaries

Hilary Hahn: A Portrait

A film by Benedikt Mirow

Documentary58 Min

AboutSir Colin Davis

Sir Colin Rex Davis CH CBE (25 September 1927 – 14 April 2013) was an English conductor, known for his association with the London Symphony Orchestra, having first conducted it in 1959. His repertoire was broad, but among the composers with whom he was particularly associated were Mozart, Berlioz, Elgar, Sibelius, Stravinsky and Tippett.

The Immortal Legacy of Sir Colin Davis

Uncover the legacy of Sir Colin Rex Davis CH CBE (25 September 1927–14 April 2013), an English maestro renowned for his close association with the London Symphony Orchestra. He first conducted this prestigious ensemble in 1959 and continued to leave his mark on the world of classical music through his diverse repertoire. From Mozart's piano concertos to Elgar's violin concertos, Davis demonstrated a deep understanding of musical language that spanned a wide range of composers including Berlioz, Sibelius, Stravinsky, and Tippett. Explore his journey, his collaborations with other notable musical personalities, and his influential performances that evoke timeless enchantment. Venture through our curated selection of his famed creations, encapsulating his distinguished career in music.

Sir Colin Davis's Unique Contributions to Music

Sir Colin Davis was a celebrated English conductor renowned for his versatility, musical depth, and especially his long-standing association with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), where he served as principal conductor from 1995 to 2006, later becoming its president. His career, which began as a clarinetist and blossomed into a major force on the international conducting scene, was marked by masterful interpretations, particularly of composers such as Mozart, Berlioz, Elgar, Sibelius, Stravinsky, and Tippett.

Noteworthy Performances and Compositions

Davis was especially revered for his interpretations of Berlioz, with many critics crediting him as pivotal in establishing Berlioz’s stature alongside the greatest composers. His passionate approach also brought new life to Sibelius and Mozart, with many of his recordings—especially those made with the LSO Live label—considered reference versions. His final performance with the LSO was Berlioz's Requiem in June 2012, a testament to their strong artistic bond.

Collaborations and Honors

Davis conducted and recorded with leading soloists such as Emil Gilels, Ingrid Haebler, and Stephen Kovacevich. He held leading positions with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and was principal guest conductor with major international orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic. He received multiple major awards, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest conductors of his time.