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

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