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Tributes to Richard Hickox (1948 - 2008) : BBC National Orchestra of Wales Press Release.

Conductor Emeritus of BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Richard Hickox, has died. Hickox, aged 60, had a long and distinguished partnership with the Orchestra and had been recording his next CD with BBC National Orchestra of Wales in Swansea.

David Murray, Director BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales said:

“All of us at the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales are shocked by the news of Richard Hickox’s sudden death. He was working with us on a CD recording in the Brangwyn Hall Swansea, when he was suddenly taken ill. Our thoughts at this time are with Richard’s mother, his wife Pamela, and their children.

As well as losing an inspiring conductor, we have lost a great friend and supporter of the Orchestra and Chorus. Richard had a long association with us, first as a guest conductor, then as our Principal Conductor from 2000 until 2006. On relinquishing this post to become Music Director of Opera Australia, Richard became our first Conductor Emeritus.

Richard Hickox led us in many distinguished performances both at home and abroad as well as on the airwaves and on CD. His repertoire was wide and varied but his advocacy of British music and the great choral classics was second to none. His name will live on in the many benchmark recordings he made – we are proud to have played our part in this.

Richard had a genuine love for the Orchestra, Chorus and our staff – he was a friend to us all and he took a leading part in making the case for the Orchestra’s new home, BBC Hoddinott Hall, now nearing completion. It’s very sad that he won’t be able to make music with us in the home for which he fought so hard.”

Menna Richards, Controller BBC Wales, said “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Richard Hickox’s sudden and untimely death. All of us at BBC Wales are proud that he took on the position of the first Conductor Emeritus of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales following periods as guest and Principal Conductor. He was an inspirational musician and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales gave some extraordinarily powerful performances with Richard as conductor. He will be badly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this profoundly sad time.”

Published courtesy of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

For further press information contact:   Victoria Dadd, Marketing Manager, BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Tel : 029 2032 2686  victoria.dadd@bbc.co.uk

BBC Wales Press Office, Tel : 029 2032 2115

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