Although he was an internationally celebrated conductor, Sir Andrew Davis was never a martinet. He constantly stimulated laughter, so that rehearsals were relaxed and easy, although he expected and received high standards from the players.
I worked with him on his Prom performance of Michael Tippett’s colossal masterwork The Mask of Time in 1984. His attention to detail and ability to galvanise huge forces ensured that everyone in the hall was engrossed, responding with a standing ovation.