Rhode Island conductor Bramwell Tovey passes away at 69
Credit: David Cooper
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Longtime musical conductor Bramwell Tovey passed away Tuesday in his Barrington home just one day after his 69th birthday.
Tovey was the Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. He first conducted the orchestra in October of 2016.
Tovey was diagnosed with a rare form of Sarcoma in May 2019. He then underwent a surgery that left him cancer free for a brief time. In January of this year, the cancer came back in which he was unable to beat.
Born in East London, Tovey began his musical career in Slavation Army bands. He played tuba, the piano, and eventually fell into conducting before catching the attention of Leonard Bernstein. He would go on to win a grammy, lead international tours, and win numerous awards.
“We are all heartbroken,” said David Beauchesne, Executive Director. “Bramwell was incredibly grateful to the conductors who stepped in on his behalf in Rhode Island and elsewhere, for the support he received from the RI Philharmonic community, and to all who sent him messages of encouragement.”
To honor his legacy, the orchestra’s 2022-23 season will be dedicated in memory of Tovey. Also, a memorial fund will be in his name to support the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School.
