BBC Concert Orchestra announces Bramwell Tovey as new Principal Conductor  

The BBC Concert Orchestra has announced the appointment of Bramwell Tovey as its new Principal Conductor. Although he will not be taking up his position officially until January 2018, audiences will be able to hear Tovey conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra publicly for the first time since the announcement tomorrow in a special edition of BBC Radio 3’s drive-time show In Tune, broadcast live from the orchestra’s base in Watford. The programme includes works such as Bernstein’s 'Candide Overture', Copland’s 'Rodeo' and Tovey’s own composition, 'Lincoln Tunnel Cabaret' with trombonist Peter Moore, the show will be broadcast live from 5-7pm and available to listen again on BBC iPlayer. 

The following evening Tovey will conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra in a recording to be broadcast on Friday 1 December in their weekly showcase - BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night, the world’s longest-running live orchestral music programme on radio. The concert will feature a selection of classic Winter Warmers, presented by Ken Bruce and recorded in front of a live audience at Watford Colosseum. 

Tovey’s new role will see him work with the orchestra for an initial period of five years. As well as artistic programming, Tovey will take a leading role in the BBC Concert Orchestra’s wide-ranging learning and education activities, including mentoring emerging conductors and orchestral players from a range of backgrounds who share the BBC CO’s appetite for musical versatility. 

Commenting on his appointment Bramwell said: “It is a great pleasure to accept the BBC’s invitation to join the BBC Concert Orchestra as Principal Conductor. The BBC Concert Orchestra is a wonderful ensemble of exceptional musicians whose focus is devoted to sharing the art and spirit of music with its diverse audience. The orchestra’s activities in the field of music education, its commitment to contemporary music and the work of composer-in-residence Dobrinka Tabakova are all of particular interest to me. I am very excited about leading the BBC Concert Orchestra in the years ahead.” 

Andrew Connolly, General Manager of the BBC Concert Orchestra, commented: “I am thrilled that Bramwell has accepted our invitation to become the BBC Concert Orchestra’s eighth Principal Conductor from January 2018. This is great news for the orchestra and also our audiences, as I know they will be enthralled by his superb musicianship and warm to the wit and charisma he brings to the stage. Bramwell’s musical explorations find their outlet beyond the role of conductor - he is also an award winning composer, piano soloist, educator and consummate communicator, projecting these talents into the wide variety of music he embraces. We are hugely excited to be beginning this new journey under his direction in the New Year. 

"I would also like to thank Keith Lockhart for his immense contribution to the Concert Orchestra as Principal Conductor these past seven years and am delighted that he will continue his relationship with us in the new position of Chief Guest Conductor.” 

Alan Davey, Controller, BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms and BBC Orchestras and Choirs, added: “Bramwell Tovey is highly regarded for the excellence and breadth of his musical activity - qualities also closely associated with the BBC Concert Orchestra - and it is wonderful to welcome him into our BBC Orchestras and Choirs family. With his innate musicianship and vast orchestral experience it’s set to be a fantastic partnership that will delight concert and radio audiences alike, and I can’t wait to hear this new relationship launch in true style tomorrow on In Tune.” 
 
 
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