FYI A tragic loss... Leading British conductor Richard Hickox has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 60. Hickox, who was the musical director of Opera Australia as well as a regular conductor of major UK orchestras, died after a recording session in Wales. He conducted on more than 300 recordings and in 2006 received his fifth Gramophone Award. He is survived by his wife, mezzo-soprano Pamela Helen Stephen, and his three children. 'Generosity of spirit' Hickox, who was awarded a CBE in 2002 for his contribution to British musical life, was the founder and musical director of the City of London Sinfonia and associate guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. "His repertoire was wide and varied but his advocacy of British music and the great choral classics was second to none" David Murray Director of BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He was also Conductor Emeritus of BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He had been working with the orchestra on a CD recording in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, when he was suddenly taken ill on Sunday. The orchestra's director, David Murray, said: "As well as losing an inspiring conductor, we have lost a great friend and supporter of the orchestra and chorus. "His repertoire was wide and varied but his advocacy of British music and the great choral classics was second to none." Hickox had been due to conduct the English National Opera's production of Riders to the Sea, by Vaughan Williams, which will open this Thursday. The ENO says the performance will go ahead and will now be dedicated to his memory. Hickox's agent, Stephen Lumsden, said: "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." He added: "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." ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7745605.stm Karl *********************************************** The CLASSICAL mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's HDMail High Deliverability Mailer for reliable, lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html