VSO’s Maestro Bramwell Tovey dies at age 69

A celebrated conductor and composer with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has passed away.

Music Director Emeritus Maestro Bramwell Tovey with the VSO was 69 years old. He died peacefully on Tuesday in Barrington, Rhode Island, surrounded by loved ones, a day after his birthday.

Tovey was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare form of sarcoma, according to the VSO.

“Tovey underwent surgery at Dana Farber [hospital] in Boston in June 2021 that left him briefly cancer free. In January 2022, scans confirmed a re-occurrence from which he was ultimately unable to recover,” reads a statement from the VSO.

Tovey was born in East London, UK.

“His talents took him from tuba, to piano, to conducting, and eventually attracted the attention of Leonard Bernstein who described him as his ‘hero,'” the VSO said.

He led countless orchestras, ensembles, and opera companies across Canada and the U.S., as well as in Europe. He was a Juno award winner, recognized for his work as a composer. He also conducted performancesat the New York Philharmonic’s Summertime Classics Festival and the Hollywood Bowl.

Tovey was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013 for his achievements as a conductor and composer, and for his commitment to promoting new Canadian music.

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The VSO says his legacy includes helping place the Vancouver orchestra “at the heart of cultural life throughout the Lower Mainland.” He served as music director from 2000 to 2018, the longest anyone has held that position. He was later appointed the VSO’s Music Director Emeritus.

“The world has lost an incredible musician, Maestro, educator, activist and giant of a human being. We at the VSO and the VSO School of Music are shattered and heartbroken,” said Angela Elster, president and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music.

“Bramwell Tovey’s legacy as Music Director of the VSO changed the landscape of music, arts and culture in British Columbia. For 18 years he was a valued friend and colleague, a driver of change and a unique person of brilliance, humor, generosity, and sincerity. As one of the key founders of the VSO School of Music, Maestro Tovey’s legacy lives on at the Tovey Centre for Music where the next generation of fine young musicians and music lovers are developing outstanding musicianship and artistic integrity.”

Elster calls Tovey’s passing “an unthinkable loss to our sector, to the VSO and VSO School of Music, and to all whose lives he touched so deeply.”

Etienne Bruson, board chair of the VSO, says there are no words to describe Tovey’s legacy.

“His artistic vision has left a lasting impression on the orchestra, and his passion for music education will continue to live on.”

Tovey is survived by his children Ben, Jessica, and Emmeline; his partner Verena De Neovel; as well as his sisters, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew.

The Bramwell Tovey Memorial Fund has been established to continue his work in the community. Donations in his honour may be made online or by phone at 604.876.3434.

Further plans to honour Tovey’s legacy will be announced by the VSO at a later date.