Richard Hickox 1948-2008

November 25th 2008 10:50 am | Music | News - By Diana Simmonds

Sudden death robs English music of a champion

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.

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.

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COMMENTS

I hope you and the c**ts like you who attacked Hickox feel happy now. Your bitter, ill-informed, nationalistic arrogance contributed to the death of a man much more talented and interesting than you or your sorry cronies.

By jimbob on November 25th 2008 12:26 pm

jimbob's post exemplifies the sad inability of many supporters of the arts in Australia to engage in or understand the need for intelligent criticism. Few shows are perfect and few artists are flawless. Similarly with critics. But let's have an intelligent debate not this puerile ad hominem (ad feminam?) attack on a critic who dares to raise or report issues.

By Aimi on November 26th 2008 10:13 am

One wonders what evidence Jimbob is able to put forward in support of his claim that Diana's comments "contibuted to the death" of Richard Hickox.But,then again,one might be expecting too much from a person whose critical assessment and manner of expression suggest a lack of maturity.

By drungalea on November 28th 2008 11:01 am