British conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey, OC OM has died at the age of 69.
Named "one of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world" by MusicalAmerica.com, Tovey most recently served as the Principal Conductor of the B.B.C. Concert Orchestra, based in London, U.K. While also working as the Artistic Advisor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
From 1989 to 2000 Bramwell Tovey was music director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra where he established the WSO’s now internationally renowned New Music Festival with Glenn Buhr, the orchestra’s first composer-in-residence and his successor, Randolph Peters.
During successive festivals Bramwell led over 200 contemporary works, including many Canadian and world premieres, all broadcast on the CBC Radio network. Guest visiting composers to the festival included Louis Andriessen, John Corigliano, Christopher Rouse, Mark Anthony Turnage, Joan Tower, Arvo Part, Aaron Jay Kernis, R.Murray Schafer, Bright Sheng and Gavin Bryars.
The announcement was made by the Sarasota Orchestra, noting Tovey's "declining health in recent days."
It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Music Director Bramwell Tovey has passed away following declining health in recent days. We are devastated by this loss. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family during this most difficult time. https://t.co/NUYhIhl2Eh pic.twitter.com/5deW2QBXdd
— Sarasota Orchestra (@srqorchestra) July 13, 2022