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Search forConductor dies after collapsing at Brangwyn Hall
Monday, November 24, 2008, 11:45
Richard Hickox broke off from rehearsals at the Brangwyn Hall yesterday after complaining of chest pains.
He was rushed to hospital, but died later of a suspected heart attack.
David Murray, director of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, said the news had left the choir reeling.
He 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 yesterday on a CD recording in the Brangywn Hall, Swansea, when he was suddenly taken ill.
"As well as losing an inspiring conductor, we have lost a great friend and supporter of the orchestra and chorus."
Mr Hickox, aged 60, was one of classical music's colourful but controversial characters.
After founding the City of London Sinfonia in 1971, he went on to become a guest conductor at the London Symphony Orchestra in 1985.
He became the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales's principal conductor in 2000, and was awarded the CBE two years later.
In 2006, he became music director of Opera Australia.
However, despite being a popular figure, his appointment did not come without its controversy.
He was recently at the centre of a public dispute involving an opera singer who criticised his commitment and claimed he was responsible for standards slipping.
But Mr Hickox hit back and said he wanted to focus on the music instead of rows behind the scenes.
This weekend he arrived in Swansea to conduct the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for a recording of the works of Gustav Holst.
Sessions began at around 2pm and were scheduled to last two days.
However, it was aborted 40 minutes in when Mr Hickox suddenly became ill.
An ambulance arrived at the Brangwyn Hall at 2.50pm.
The dad-of-two was taken to Singleton Hospital, but despite the best efforts of doctors, he died a short while later.
Mr Murray added: "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."
The two-day sessions have since been postponed as a mark of respect for Mr Hickox.
His family are expected to arrive in the UK at 10am tomorrow.
Richard Hickox
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