Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

March 5, 1948 in Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, England

Death

:

November 23, 2008 in Cardiff, Wales

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Richard Hickox was a renowned British conductor and music director who made significant contributions to the classical music world. He was born on March 5, 1948, in Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire, England. Hickox was the son of a clergyman and grew up in a musical family. He started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the organ. His passion for music led him to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he received a scholarship to study conducting. Hickox began his career as a conductor in the early 1970s, working with various orchestras and choirs in the UK. He quickly gained a reputation for his musical talent and was appointed as the music director of the City of London Sinfonia in 1979. He held this position for over a decade and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in the country. In addition to his work with the City of London Sinfonia, Hickox also conducted many other orchestras and choirs, both in the UK and abroad. He was particularly known for his interpretations of British music, including the works of composers such as Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Britten. He also championed the music of lesser-known composers, such as George Butterworth and Frank Bridge. One of the highlights of Hickox's career was his work with the London Symphony Orchestra. He was appointed as the orchestra's associate conductor in 1985 and later became its principal conductor in 1994. During his time with the London Symphony Orchestra, Hickox conducted many acclaimed performances and recordings, including a complete cycle of Vaughan Williams's symphonies. Hickox was also a prolific recording artist, with over 300 recordings to his name. He recorded extensively with the City of London Sinfonia and the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as with other ensembles. His recordings received numerous awards and accolades, including several Gramophone Awards. In addition to his work as a conductor and recording artist, Hickox was also a respected music educator. He held teaching positions at several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. He was also a mentor to many young musicians and conductors, and was known for his generosity and willingness to share his knowledge and experience. Tragically, Hickox's career was cut short when he died suddenly in November 2008, at the age of 60. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, and he was mourned by musicians and music lovers around the globe. Despite his untimely death, Hickox's legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians and conductors he mentored and inspired. He was a true champion of classical music, and his passion and dedication to the art form will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

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