Principal Cello (1969–1993)

The LSO is sad to hear of the death of former Principal Cello Douglas Cummings on Wednesday 14 May 2014.

Dougie was 22 when he joined the LSO as Principal Cello in 1969, the youngest Principal the Orchestra had appointed to that date. He left the Orchestra in 1993 to follow a teaching career. He served on the Board of Directors from 1979–82. Following a brain haemorrhage in 1982, Dougie was the subject of one of a series of four TV programmes, 'Life of an Orchestra', which was broadcast on BBC1.

The LSO is deeply saddened to hear of the death, on Monday 20 January 2014 at the age of 80, of its former Principal Conductor Claudio Abbado.

Abbado was the LSO's 12th Principal Conductor, succeeding André Previn in 1979, and holding the post until 1987. He also held the titles of Principal Guest Conductor (1975–79) and Music Director (1984–87).

Principal Contra Bassoon (1963–1992)

The LSO is sad to hear that Peter Francis passed away on 25 January 2014, peacefully at home in the Isle of Wight. He was 87.

Peter was a member of the Bassoon section from 1963 to 1992 becoming Principal Contra Bassoon in 1970. He served as a Director on the LSO Board from 1977 to 1980.

It is with deep sadness that the LSO announces the death of its esteemed President, Sir Colin Davis.

Sir Colin first conducted the LSO in 1959 and became Principal Conductor in 1995. He was the longest serving Principal Conductor in the LSO’s history and has been at the head of the LSO family for many years. His musicianship and his humanity have been cherished by musicians and audiences alike.