Sir Andrew Davis, ex-chief conductor of BBC Symphony Orchestra, dies aged 80

Sir Andrew Davies was a veteran conductor who was described as ‘a vital force in British music’. Photograph: Dario Acosta

Sir Andrew Davis, a conductor who performed with many of the world’s finest orchestras, has died at the age of 80.

Throughout his long career Davis held many roles, including for more than a decade those of chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (BBCSO) and musical director of Glyndebourne Festival Opera.