*
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    


Remembering Trevor Austin

June 24 • One of the most respected figures in the brass band business world passed away a year ago — with his memory still fondly remembered.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe add quartet strength to ranks

June 24 • Four new players have joined Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Frecjleton

Freckleton partnership comes to an end

June 24 • John Atkinson has taken his final bow with the Freckleton Band.


Alan Hobbins

Hobbins to lead Eccles Borough

June 24 • The experienced Alan Hobbins is the new Musical Director at Eccles Borough Band.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd