*
banner

Proms tribute to Tovey

There was poignant reminder of an extraordinary musician given at the Proms — as Bramwell Tovey was fondly remembered.

Bramwell Tovey
  Bramwell Tovey was referred to a one of the 'kings of the classical music world'

There was a poignant reminder of the musical life of conductor Bramwell Tovey given at the BBC Proms on the weekend.

One of the kings

It came in the interval to the 'Royal Music Celebration' concert given by the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, which was to be conducted by him.

Following his death aged just 69, the baton was taken by Barry Wordsworth.

Presenter Clive Myrie referred to Bramwell Tovey as "one of the kings of the classical music world", before the tributes were led by BBC Concert Orchestra Director, Bill Chandler.

He said that he had, "…this fantastic mix of seriousness and emotion and very charming wit. He made this amazing collection of musicians much greater."

Generosity

Meanwhile, principal trumpet player Kate Moore added: ""He drew the best out of people — definitely… this generosity with his humour and his character. He had such a great way of involving the whole orchestra.

He always made you feel involved…just a lovely human being. The sort of guy you could go for a pint with."

He always made you feel involved…just a lovely human being. The sort of guy you could go for a pint withKate Moore

Extensive Vancouver tribute

Further afield an extensive obituary in the Vancouver 'Globe and Mail', it paid tribute to what it called his, "record tenure at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra", quoting Pinchas Zukerman, the National Arts Centre Orchestra's conductor emeritus.

"He was an extraordinary musician," he said. "He did so much for Canada. He's done so much for music in general."

It confirmed that the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra would establish the 'Bramwell Tovey Memorial Fund' to continue his musical legacy.

In addition, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will establish a fund in his name for its music school and its 2022-2023 season will be dedicated to his memory.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Climb every mountain

Wright & Round: Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Rodgers & Hammerstein arr. Philip Harper)

August 25 • You simply can't beat a belting classic from Julie Andrews...


bRASS IN cOCNERT

Brass in Concert Championship sold out

August 25 • There is not a seat left to be filled in the hall for the 49th Brass in Concert Championship this year.


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd