We're shocked by the news this morning that the conductor Richard Hickox died yesterday of a suspected heart attack. The music director of Opera Australia, associate guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, founder and music director of the City of London Sinfonia and much more, he was also a great champion of British music. Yesterday he had been in Wales for a recording session, adding to a discography that numbers more than 300 items.
I only met him once or twice socially, but emerged with the impression that he was a heck of a nice guy.
His agent, Stephen Lumsden of Intermusica, says: “The shock of Richard Hickox’s sudden and unexpected death will resonate right around the globe and has robbed the music world of one of its most popular and respected musicians. It also takes away from his beloved family a deeply devoted husband, father, son and brother. Literally thousands of musicians who were touched by his talent, energy and that remarkable generosity of spirit of his will feel that loss as well. Richard never wavered or faltered in his commitment and support for others even when faced with the most daunting challenges. His ability to inspire the best through his passion for the music he conducted created countless memorable performances in the concert hall, on the opera stage and on disc.”
UPDATE: Tributes: The Telegraph; a very touching memoir from Tom Service in The Guardian; producer/broadcaster Tommy Pearson at his blog One More Take. No doubt more to come.
TUESDAY: From The Independent. Stress? (Do not get me started on the effect of stress on musicians' lives and health. This issue needs a whole blog all to itself.)
6 comments:
I didn't know him, but I think he was someone who had that unteachable ability to understand music as a communal conversation, not just a monolithic performance. He had a lot more to do and this is really very sad.
Hickox's recordings had been the first to inspire in me an interest in and appreciation for British composers. I'll miss those discoveries that he will not now have the chance to lead me to.
I have had the honour and privilege to count Richard and Pamela Hickox as friends and colleagues during their years here in Sydney.
Richard was an artist of impressive stature, a man of warmth and humanity, and someone who has contributed hugely to the musical life of Australia.he will be sorely missed at Opera Australia and beyond. His wide and varied recording legacy is a further testament to his musical achievement and place as one of the last centuries foremost musicians, scholars and conductors. All our love go out to his gifted wife, singer Pamela Helen Stephen and their adorable children Adam and Abby at this tragic time for their family.
Victoria Watson
Terrible news, I'll really miss him. Was with him only a few days ago. Have written blog http://onemoretake.blogspot.com
As a young boy,I was a chorister at St Margarets, Westminster (1978-1980) when Mr Hickox was choirmaster. Whilst I never progressed further in music, I followed Mr Hickox's career, always intended to go to one of his performances in my adopted home city of Cardiff in the hope that I might have been able to catch him and say hello afterwards. I had a wonderful time at St Margarets and am so sad to hear of his passing.
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