The London Symphony Orchestra says its president and former principal conductor, Colin Davis, has died aged 85.

One of the best-known figures in British classical music, Davis worked with the symphony for more than half a century.

He first conducted for the LSO in 1959 and took the principal conductor job in 1995, serving until 2006 before becoming president.

Associated in particular with the works of Mozart, Sibelius and Berlioz, Davis won two Grammys and a host of other trophies, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980.

The orchestra said Davis died Sunday after a short illness. It said in a statement that Davis had made an immense contribution to British musical life, and that "music lovers across the world have been inspired by his performances and recordings."

Sir Colin Davis in 2011 (still from YouTube: Artist Conversation: Sir Colin Davis and Nikolaj Znaider)