The celebrated English conductor made a deep impression on musical scenes stretching across three continents.  

Born in Ashridge, England, Davis' first major post was as associate conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra before crossing the pond as music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, beginning in 1975. 

For 13 years, he served in the role and is credited with helping raise the global profile of the orchestra through tours of China, Europe, Australia and Northern Canada. 

He went on to serve as music director at Glyndebourne before taking on the dual role of music director and principal conductor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2000. A position he held through the 2020/21 season. 

From 2013-19, Davis spent time in Australia working with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. 

In 1992, Davis was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire and in 1999, made Knight Bachelor. He was especially known for conducting the Last Night of The Proms, including his often-humorous Last Night speeches.

Davis died in Chicago on April 20, 2024 from leukemia, according to his manager. 

He was 80.