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Richard Hickox 1948-2008
THE SUDDEN death in Cardiff of Richard Hickox, Opera Australia’s music director since 2005, is a tragedy for his family and friends and – in particular – for British music.
The ebullient Hickox was a popular figure in the UK where he did his most significant work, past and present. At the time of his death – apparently from a heart attack – he was in Wales recording with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, of which he was conductor emeritus.
Later this week he was due back in London to conduct a new production (directed by Fiona Shaw for the English National Opera) of Riders to the Sea, a little-known Vaughan Williams opera. He also and most recently conducted a three-work Vaughan Williams orchestral program in London to ecstatic reviews and public response.
Hickox was associate guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, founder and music director of the City of London Sinfonia, co-director of Collegium Musicum 90 as well as one-time music director of the Spoleto Festival in Italy.
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His tenure in Sydney had become increasingly controversial in recent times because of his perceived lack of commitment to Opera Australia and some eyebrow-raising artistic and casting decisions (see “Opera Schmopera in the stagenoise archive).
Nevertheless, 60 is too young for anyone to lose their life and definitely too young for a conductor and inquiring and often inspirational musician. He is survived by two young children and his second wife Pamela Helen Stephen.
