Tributes have been pouring in for the late Sir Colin Davis, president of the London Symphony Orchestra who passed away on Sunday (April 14, 2013) aged 85.

"He will be remembered with huge affection and admiration by the LSO and our thoughts are with his family at this time," the orchestra said in a statement on its website, reported by The Guardian. Davis first conducted the LSO in 1959, and they paid homage to him, saying “Sir Colin's role in British musical life was immense. Alongside his commitment to the LSO, he forged special relationships with the Royal Opera House, the BBCSO, and the English Chamber Orchestra, as well as mentoring many young performers and conductors at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School.”

The statement went on to add "He was internationally renowned for his interpretations of Mozart, Sibelius and Berlioz, and music lovers across the world have been inspired by his performances and recordings. His musicianship and his humanity have been cherished by musicians and audiences alike." Davis influence on classical music in the UK was large, to the extent where as early as 1965 he was made a CBE and given a knighthood in 1980. Davis also conducted the BBC Symphony Orchestra between 1967 and 1971, and became music director of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in 1971. He also conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Dresden Staatskapelle.