Report: The British-born maestro, who recently signed a Lyric extension through 2020-21, takes up his new duties in Australia early in 2013 with a four-year commitment.      

Sir Andrew Davis, music director and principal conductor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, was named Monday as chief conductor of the Melbourne (Australia) Symphony Orchestra, effective in January 2013.

The conductor, who is in Melbourne this month leading concerts with the orchestra, has signed an initial commitment of four years as music director.

Davis, 68, will retain his position at the Lyric, which recently extended his contract through the 1920-21 season.

A widely experienced orchestra conductor, Davis holds the title of conductor laureate with both the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where he was music director from 1975-88, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which he served as chief conductor from 1989-2000. He has conducted most of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw.

A native of England, Davis is also a former music director of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. In 1992, he was made a Commander of the British Empire for his services to British music, and in 1999 was made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours List.

With the Lyric Opera next season, Davis will conduct Richard Strauss’ “Elektra,” Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra,” Massenet’s “Werther” and Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.”

Related Links: 

Melbourne Symphony’s roots go back to 1906: Read about it here

All about Sir Andrew Davis: Visit his website 

Photo captions and credits: Home page and top: Sir Andrew Davis. (Dario Acosta Photography) Upper right: The maestro at work.

 

 

 

 

Tags: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis