Obituary: Laurence Davies

The Philharmonia was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Laurence Davies, former Principal Horn of the Orchestra. 

Laurence served as Principal Horn of the Philharmonia for ten years, from 1998 to 2008, and continued to perform regularly with the Orchestra as a guest principal in the years that followed. He was a much-valued member of the horn section and a cherished colleague and friend. 

Our No. 2 Horn, Kira Doherty, has paid the following tribute: 

“It is hard to convey in words what we lost the day Laurence passed away, both for us as an Orchestra and as individuals who knew him as a musician and as a friend.  

He left a deep mark on those who played with him and those fortunate enough to hear him perform. There was something extremely rare and special about Laurence’s playing that can’t quite be described in words; his solos were a tightrope being walked with no safety net, and the reward was often a glimpse of the sublime. 

His memory will live on in the music we make together, and we count ourselves so extremely lucky to have been able to share the years we had with him. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Laurence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him at this sad time.