*
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    


Cory tour

Cory set to tour Canada and USA later this year

June 5 • The Welsh champion will embark on a major eight day tour to North America in October.


Foundations

Closing date looms for Future Leaders

June 5 • If you want your band to benefit from future leaders of confidence, skill and inspiration, then you need to get your application in soon.


York Early Music Festival

Fanfare welcomes at York Early Music Festival

June 5 • A brand new fanfare written by Yorkshire composer Sam Meredith will be played during the opening weekend by the German renaissance ensemble (hanse) Pfeyffery.


North Shore

President hopes to build on momentum in NZ

June 5 • Following a successful National Championships, New Zealand banding must build on the momentum created according to its President.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

June 5 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Glossop Old Band

June 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • BACK ROW CORNET 2nd/3rd cornet. . NEMBBA contest entered for 15 November. LBBA contest entered for 22 November. . Concert schedule planned in advance. Planned breaks .


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd