The Australian conductor, known for his fierce advocacy of Australian music, has passed away aged 85.

The great Australian conductor Patrick Thomas has died aged 85. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s last native-born Chief Conductor, Thomas worked with all of the state symphony orchestras, enjoyed a succesful international career and was a passionate advocate for Australian music and artists.

“Queensland Symphony Orchestra is saddened to hear of the passing of Patrick Thomas, former Chief Conductor from 1973 to 1977,” the QSO said in a statement. “Under his direction the Orchestra became an Australian leader in the performance of new music and promoted programmes such as Proms, which continues today. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time.”

“Patrick was a true gentleman, and Melbourne and Victorian audiences were privileged to see him conduct the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra many times throughout his career,” said Sophie Galaise, Managing Director of the MSO. “As the MSO’s Conductor in Residence during the early 1980s he led our orchestra with grace, dignity and professionalism. His passion for education brought a new generation of music lovers to orchestras around Australia, and while I did not have the pleasure of meeting him in...