In an Oct. 8th news release, Calgary Opera announced that Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey will be resigning from his post to attend to the recurrence of ongoing health issues amidst a challenging season.
“This health issue is not related to COVID-19,” the release from CO read. “However public health restrictions as a result of COVID-19 that limit his ability to travel expedited his decision.”
Bramwell Tovey poses with his portrait by Canadian artist David Goatley. Photo: Calgary Opera
Tovey, a British-born conductor and award-winning composer, took his position in January 2019, shortly before being diagnosed with cancer in June of that year. Tovey is also principal conductor of the B.B.C. Concert Orchestra, music director emeritus of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and, since September 2018, the artistic advisor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
CO’s Managing Director and CEO Heather Kitchen will continue to helm administrative operations and the company will immediately begin the search for interim artistic leadership until a permanent replacement can be found.
CO “looks forward to welcoming [Tovey] back as the conductor” of Fidelio in October 2021, read the release.
