Opera Australia musical director dies

Opera Australia's musical director, Richard Hickox, has died of a suspected heart attack in Wales, aged 60.

Hickox, one of Britain's leading conductors, collapsed and died on Sunday (local time) in his hotel room in Cardiff following a recording session, his publicist of 20 years, Stephen Lumsden, has confirmed.

English-born Hickox joined Opera Australia as its musical director in 2005 following a distinguished career.

He was associate guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, founder and music director of the City of London Sinfonia, co-director of the period instrument group Collegium Musicum 90 and conductor emeritus of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Hickox was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Honours List for his services to music and leaves behind a catalogue of almost 300 recordings.

"The shock of Richard Hickox's sudden and unexpected death will resonate right around the globe and has robbed the music world of one of its most popular and respected musicians," Mr Lumsden said.

"Literally, thousands of musicians who were touched by his talent, energy and that remarkable generosity of spirit of his, will feel that loss as well."

Hickox is survived by his wife, mezzo-soprano Pamela Helen Stephen, and three children - Tom, Adam and Abigail.