On July 12, 2022, at the age of 69, after a struggle with cancer, London-born composer and veteran conductor Bramwell Tovey passed away. He had been the principal conductor and creative director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018.
After being born in East London, England, Tovey started his musical career with Salvation Army bands. He started playing the tuba and the piano before he started conducting. He was in charge of orchestras in the US, Canada, and Europe.
In addition to receiving a Juno Award for composition, his achievements include being appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013. Tovey agreed to become the VSO’s music director in 2008.
Later, the orchestra designated him as music director emeritus. He was instrumental in establishing the Tovey Centre for Music and the VSO School of Music while he was employed by the VSO.
Bramwell Tovey
Conductor: Bramwell Tovey Death Cause Sarcoma Cancer And Obituary
One day after his 69th birthday, on Tuesday, July 12, Bramwell Tovey, the longstanding conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, passed away at his Barrington home in the presence of his family. He had been battling sarcoma cancer.
Tovey was reportedly given a type of sarcoma diagnosis in May 2019 and underwent surgery at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in June 2021, which temporarily cured him of cancer. The cancer returned in January.
David Beauchesne, the executive director of the orchestra, said “We are all heartbroken. Bramwell Tovey was a beloved friend and colleague who had a lot of talent, warmth, friendliness, humor, and honesty.”
He treated both the youngest student and the most well-known guest artist with the same respect and concern. Additionally, his obituary is published online.
Bramwell Tovey Wife And Children Details
Bramwell Tovey was married twice. From his first marriage, which ended in divorce, he had a son by the name of Ben. Ben served as the band Rise To Remain’s previous guitarist.
Lana Penner-Tovey, his second wife, and he were married. Jessica and Emmeline, the couple’s two daughters, were born into the world.
Zing! Children’s Choir co-founder Lana Penner-Tovey also frequently performs with the renowned women’s choir Elektra and served as board chair for the organization.
What Was Bramwell Tovey’s Net Worth?
Award-winning conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey is thought to have a net worth of about $5 million. He built up his wealth by working as a conductor and composer.
He took part in numerous radio and television programs on music. In addition to Cinderella with Scottish Ballet for ITV and Daphnis et Chloé for Channel 4, he conducted two television productions with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra simultaneously announced an extension of Tovey’s contract through August 2026 as well as a change in his position within the ensemble from assistant conductor to principal conductor and creative director in December 2021.