We will remember fondly his innovative spirit and sparkling personality.” “Bramwell was the creator of our Opera Labs series of new opera workshops in 2020, which has been enjoyed by many artists and audiences.

Bramwell was so beloved by everyone in the Calgary Opera community”, says Heather Kitchen who worked closely in partnership with Maestro Tovey.

This is a huge loss to the world of music. “We are heartbroken for his family and friends. He later stepped down from his position for health reasons in the winter of 2020. In January 2019, the Calgary Opera Board of Directors appointed Bramwell Tovey as Artistic Director in a co-leadership position with current General Director and CEO, Heather Kitchen. He also conducted Calgary Opera’s 2016 Canadian premiere of Korngold’s Die Tote Stadt and was set to conduct Beethoven’s Fidelio in 2021 before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned several times to Calgary Opera over the years, most notably to conduct the world premiere of Filumena in 2003, and again to conduct the world premiere of his own composition, The Inventor, in 2011.

Maestro Tovey’s association with Calgary Opera dates to 1994 when he conducted Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Maestro Tovey touched many lives and was a true trailblazer in the arts industry – both nationally and internationally. It saddens us deeply to hear the news that our beloved friend, colleague, and former Artistic Director, Bramwell Tovey O.C, has passed away.

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