Foden’s announce the passing of Bramwell Tovey

Mark Wilkinson • July 14, 2022


It is with deep sadness we have learned that Bramwell Tovey, Foden's Band Honorary Artistic Director and President has died.


As a lifelong fan of Foden's, the news that Bram was to conduct the band at the British Open in 2000 was more exciting to his mother Joan than that of his exploits with the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony or Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The performance at Birmingham's Symphony Hall was to be the start of a relationship that would last over 20 years with Foden's, a relationship rich in musical endeavour, artistic integrity and perhaps above all, fun.

Throughout the relationship, the partnership enjoyed a wonderful range of contest and concert performances as well as recordings and trips, all experiences the band looked forward to and revelled in.

In 2009, Bram and Foden's recorded 'Maestro' where through Bram's vision, Foden's collaborated with New York Phil trombonist Joe Alessi and Violinist Mark Fewer (who recited famous lines of Shakespeare whilst re-enacting the publicity stunt of comic actor Will Kemp in 1600) in Bram's own composition 'Nine Daies Wonder' to produce a recording described by 4Barsrest as 'world class excellence'. Bram's willingness and desire to associate and integrate some of the world's finest musicians with the band was a gift that he both had and used willingly for the benefit and furtherment of Foden's, something for which we will all be eternally grateful.

On the contest stage, a number of performances left an indelible mark on the banding world, with test pieces 'Ceremony' (British Open 2000), 'Les Preludes' (British Open 2001) and 'Albion' (National Finals 2001) all receiving critical acclaim. Despite the rehearsals, the process of getting everyone to a place where they were comfortable with Bram's contest vision, on the day of the contest, without fail Bram would always say 'watch me and be prepared to turn on a dime. I might find something new or take it in a new direction depending on the moment'. As a brass band used to preparing a well understood and 'fixed' performance, this was both alien and frightening and yet in Bram's hands, you trusted. You watched, totally glued as to what might happen next and without fail, it was an ultimately wonderful, liberating and exhilarating experience.

It was on the concert platform though that possibly the most significant musical events took place, with the 22-year musical relationship affording a whole spectrum of musical experiences. One notable occasion was the performance of Bram's very own 'Requiem for a Charred Skull' at the RNCM Festival of Brass. The music, showcased with the benefit of the RNCM Chorus, highlighting the experiences of war in the former Yugoslavia was something that has stayed in the collective memories of band members involved ever since. Deeply moving, passionate and musically profound, his ability to not only score the horrors of war but bring them to life so vividly through the performance was breathtaking.

As someone so readily welcomed to lead the finest orchestras of the world, a visit from Bram was always something the band cherished. A man with a wonderful sense of humour and scorchingly dry wit, time in his company was something that everyone enjoyed whilst not always believing how fortunate we all were to have in Bram such a supporter, leader and friend.

There will rightly be lots written about Bram in the coming days and weeks, however one line that will stay with all of us at Foden’s was something he once said as a player arrived a few minutes late for a rehearsal.

‘I’m so sorry I’m late Bram, I had a problem with my car’

‘Don’t worry’ he said. ‘This isn’t life and death, it’s band. It’s far more important’.

Bram will be profoundly missed by all at Foden’s and all of our thoughts are with his family at this time.

John Barber

Chairman Foden’s Band

By Mark Wilkinson May 27, 2025
Young brass players from across the UK gathered in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on Saturday May 24th to attend the first ‘masterclass’ training session staged as a collaboration between the Wychavon Festival of Brass (WFB) and members of the world famous Foden’s Band. Supporting and helping to develop young brass players has long been one of the objectives of WFB in addition to staging its annual contest. Historically, WFB has held frequent training sessions of one sort or another in the past but, for various reasons, has not been able to do so for several years. Happily, 2025 has seen the reintroduction of a youth project, achieved by joining forces with Foden’s and the hope is that this collaboration will become an annual event. The masterclass was held at Bromsgrove School, familiar to many brass players who may have attended summer schools there. Facilities are excellent and allowed the Foden’s team to rehearse in break-out groups before coming together to perform on stage in the prestigious Routh Hall for parents and siblings at the end of what had been a very busy day. The Foden’s contingent was led by MD Michael Fowles and in attendance were Mark Wilkinson, Darren Lea, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin and Mark Landon who each led a sectional on their chosen instrument. Playing members of the WFB joined in the sectional rehearsals and on the performance stage. Michael was clearly impressed by the concentration levels, behaviour and ability of these young players who were all sight reading some tricky pieces! The concert programme consisted of three pieces and the band, most of whom had never met before Saturday, gave a stirring rendition of the march ‘Star Lake’. This was followed by an affecting and musically sound performance of the 2020 Fourth Section test piece ‘Neverland’ – quite an achievement in such a short space of time! The final item was a rattling performance a Foden’s special--- ‘Dynamite’, arranged for band ahead of the Foden’s 2024 South Korea tour. It was clear that everyone had a fruitful and enjoyable time. Parents and children found the day entertaining and useful, Foden’s player and WFB committee members had a lot of fun. Chief organizer of the day and WFB committee member Iain Willis was delighted at the outcome. “Things could hardly have gone better’’ he said as he was packing away. Chair of WFB, Val Trim is confident that this is a collaboration that will be fruitful in years to come. ‘The future of the brass band movement lies in the hands of our young players –and we must do all we can to support them.’  Mike agreed. ‘It’s great to be involved in projects such as this—and Foden’s were delighted to be there to encourage and enthuse our young players!’
By Mark Wilkinson May 27, 2025
On Sunday 25th May Foden's were featured on a fabulous new programme with Hannah Peel where we performed the 'Prelude' to Wilfred Heaton's epic Partita for Band'! The programme is available to listen back via https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002cbtv
By Mark Wilkinson May 23, 2025
On Sunday 27th April, members of Foden’s Youth Band joined forces with students from the brass and percussion departments at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, for an inspiring morning of music-making and collaboration. Hosted in the superb surroundings of The Stoller Hall, the event brought together some of the region’s most talented young musicians for an immersive experience of rehearsals, sectional coaching, and performance. Led by Foden’s Youth Band Musical Director Michael Fowles, the morning began with full band rehearsals, followed by sectional workshops led by distinguished tutors from Foden’s Band: Mark Wilkinson, Melanie Whyle, Andy Cattanach, Sam Iles, Ollie Webb, and Ashley Dixon. The event culminated in a short performance for parents and guests in The Stoller Hall, celebrating the students’ achievements and musical growth. The programme featured Blenheim Flourishes by James Curnow, Not to be Forgotten by Pat Metheny (arr. Jacob Vilhelm Larsen), and Fearless by Andrew Wainwright. This valuable opportunity was made possible through the generous invitation of Dr David Thornton, Joint Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion at Chetham’s. The collaboration showcased not only the dedication of the young musicians but also the vibrant musical opportunities available at Chetham’s. Dr David Thornton commented: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Foden’s Youth Band to Chetham’s for this special event. Our collaboration highlighted the wealth of young brass and percussion talent in the region and the power of shared musical experiences. We’re proud to offer a strong and growing brass band programme here at Chetham’s – something we’re keen for prospective students to know. Events like this are a brilliant way to connect with the wider brass community while providing our students with high-quality ensemble experiences.”
By Mark Wilkinson May 23, 2025
On Sunday 18th May Foden's travelled to Newbury to perform in the fantastic Corn Exchange as part of the prestigious 'Newbury Spring Festival.' The Festival has been running for over 40 years and this year featured a number of World renowned groups including the 'English Chamber Orchestra' and 'Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' Foden's programme featured a number of original compositions for band including Edward Gregson's 'Variations of Laudate Dominum' (who this year celebrates his 80 th Birthday) as well as 'Little Suite for Brass' by Malcolm Arnold (featured on a recent cd recording by Foden's). The audience were also treated to 'Cassius : The rumble in the Jungle' written for Foden's appearance at 'Brass in Concert' last year. 'Cassius' showcases one of the greatest showpieces in sporting history - 'The Rumble in the Jungle', which took place in Zaire on 30th October 1974 between George Foreman and the ‘The Greatest’ - Muhammad Ali. Foden's would like to thank the large and appreciate audience for supporting the concert as well as the Festival for their invitation 
By Mark Wilkinson April 22, 2025
Preparations are well under way for Foden's as they look to represent England at the European Championships in May courtesy of their British Open victory in 2023. Speaking ahead of the contest Mark Wilkinson commented 'We are once again looking forward to representing England and are enjoying rehearsing our own choice test piece as well as the set work 'Transitions in Energy' by Fredrick Schjelderu. This work is very demanding both musically and technically and will pose a stern test for all! We are grateful to Darren Lea (band member) who has been busy preparing our itinerary and logistics which has included cancelled flights and having to re book from an alternative airport! Ahead of the contest we will be holding an open rehearsal in Sandbach on the 6 th May and will publish details nearer the time.' Mark continued 'Members have been extremely busy fundraising to cover the huge costs needed. The band will be making a large contribution helped by player payments. We are extremely grateful to those who have made various donations to help and have set up a go fund page to cover the additional costs needed due to the cancelled and re arranged flights! Any donations would be gratefully appreciated https://gofund.me/908e0b3d
By Mark Wilkinson April 10, 2025
On Friday 20 th June Foden's will perform at the Victoria Hall, Hanley alongside its very own Youth Band and six community choirs in 'A Night of Musical Harmony! The concert, supported by the 'Entrust Music Service Staffordshire' will see Foden's, Foden's Youth and the combined choirs each perform individual items before joining forces for a massed finale. Speaking on behalf of the Entrust Music Services, Paul Hughes commented 'This concert represents a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the vibrant musical landscape within Staffordshire, bringing together world-class brass banding with the passionate voices of our local community choirs for an unforgettable collaborative performance.' The community choirs consist of Alsager Community Choir, Dougie Mac Choir, Endon Community Choir, Fulford Community Choir, Ovation - The Staffordshire County Council Workplace Choir and Stafford Military Wives Choir Program and will be conducted by Dan Hollingshurst, a vocal coach and teacher working for Entrust Music Service Staffordshire and City Music Service (Stoke-on-Trent) Foden's Band are grateful to Joseph Lymer & Son and Horne Brothers, Independent Family Funeral Directors for sponsoring the event Tickets from £6 via https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
By Mark Wilkinson April 4, 2025
Foden's return to Gawsworth Hall to perform 'Salute to the Kings of Cool' alongside Matt Ford. Matt is regarded as one of the finest big band singers in the UK who regularly performs with the BBC, RTE, Ulster and Norther Sinfonia Orchestras and has appeared at the BBC Proms with the John Wilson and Syd Lawrence Orchestra's The show takes place in the fantastic grounds of this stately home on a large festival stage in front of the hall Bring a picnic and chair for the ultimate swing and big band experience!!!  Tickets - £20 via info@fodensband.co.uk
By Mark Wilkinson April 3, 2025
Foden's are extremely grateful to Mayor Ann Nevitt who nominated Foden's as her Mayor's charity in 2024/2025. Ann has arranged a number of events to raise monies for the band to help fund their trip to appear at the European Championships in Norway this year One of these events was a 'Grand Draw' drawn on the 30th March by Ann and Mark Wilkinson with the main prize being £500 donated by 'Poole's towing and recovery' Winning tickets as per the below (all winners have been contacted) 1st Prize 2844 2nd Prize 0025 3rd Prize 0073 4th Prize 1278 5th Prize 1459 6th Prize 2479 7th Prize 2534 8th Prize 1569 9th Prize 1479 10th Prize 1614 11th Prize 0758 12th Prize 1649 13th Prize 0032 14th Prize 1553 15th Prize 1566 Foden's would like to thank Ann, those who purchased tickets as well as the various companies who offered prizes to support the fundraising (photo courtesy of Stewart Green)
By Mark Wilkinson March 31, 2025
In recent years, Foden's have enjoyed a fantastic working relationship with Sandbach School and once again this year, we'll be performing a concert on the 3 rd April, during which we will accompany a number of the Year 13 students in solo items! The concert will begin at 6:30pm with ensembles from the school - including their Concert Orchestra, Big Bands and Choir before we take to the stage in the 2nd half! Sandbach School Theatre Thursday 3rd April 2025 6:30pm www.priorbooking.com/e/sandbach-school-spring-concert-with-fodens-band
By Mark Wilkinson March 27, 2025
Next month, Foden's will head down to Berkshire to appear at the 2025 Newbury Spring Festival with a varied programme ranging from our 2024 Brass in Concert programme paying tribute to Mohammad Ali, through to extended works such as Dvorak's 'Carnival Overture' and Gregson's 'Variations on Laudate Dominum'! Corn Exchange, Newbury Sunday 18th May, 2025 3pm  www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk/event/fodens-band/
More Posts