Bramwell Tovey And The RI Philharmonic Announce The Orchestra's 75th Season

The RI Philharmonic has announced the Orchestra's 75th season, which marks the first planned and led by newly named Artistic Advisor Bramwell Tovey. Tovey will conduct 12 classical concerts, the Orchestra & Music School's Season 75 Gala, which features violinist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist Amanda Forsyth, Handel's Messiah, and eight Link Up education concerts at The VETS.

Tovey, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, is taking time over the summer to go through treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. He plans to perform all scheduled activities with the Philharmonic for the 2019-20 season.

"I am tremendously excited to get started this September. Given that it's our first season together and the Orchestra's 75th, we are planning a meaningful, memorable and inspiring experience. We have planned concerts that feature repertoire which explores the depth and breadth of this wonderful Orchestra," Tovey said. "Some great friends make their Providence debuts, like pianist Yefim Bronfman and violinist James Ehnes. At the request of management, you'll also get to hear one of my pieces, Urban Runway, which was co-commissioned by the New York and Los Angeles philharmonics in 2008. I am looking forward to collaborating with the wonderful Providence Singers and their superb Artistic Director Christine Noel. On my first visit to Rhode Island in 2016 we performed Mozart's Requiem together. I'm thrilled to be able to conduct three works that feature the Singers this coming season. Concluding our 75th season with my friends Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth will be stunning."

Tovey added: "It can be difficult for all of us to drag ourselves out of the house at the end of a long week-but I can promise that everyone who is a part of our concerts next season will leave feeling energized, grateful for the opportunity to experience something so exceptional together and looking forward to the next time."

David Beauchesne, executive director, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, noted: "We can't wait for next season to start. The two performances that Bramwell conducted with the Orchestra this past season, including our all Tchaikovsky gala, were electric. The more time Bramwell and the Orchestra have together, the more exceptional their collaboration becomes. We are thrilled to have him conduct so much of next season. His involvement in our education and community programs will be equally transformative for those involved. He has already given masterclasses and visited schools, and our students and partners are looking forward to more of that!"

In addition to the RI debut of world-renowned violinist Ehnes, who in 2007 along with Tovey was awarded the Grammy for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance, Grammy winners Bronfman and Zukerman will have their RI inaugural performances. Other solo premieres include pianist Natasha Paremski and cellist Johannes Moser. The season features the return of such favorites as pianists Joyce Yang and Anne-Marie McDermott, violinist Karen Gomyo, soprano Andriana Chuchman and mezzo-soprano Susan Platts.

After her successful concert last season, acclaimed conductor Tania Miller will be back, along with Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St. Clair, who was last here in 2005.

The celebratory 75th season includes eight Saturday night TACO Classical concerts, four Friday night Amica Rush Hour concerts, Handel's Messiah and the annual gala. All classical concerts are at The VETS, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence, and the 75th season features eight TACO Classical concerts on Saturdays at 8 p.m. on Sept. 28, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Jan. 25, Feb. 15, March 14, April 4 and May 2. The Amica Rush Hour concerts are on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, Feb. 14, March 13 and May 1. The perennial holiday favorite Handel's Messiah is on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The season concludes with the annual gala and fundraiser featuring violinist Zukerman and cellist Forsyth on June 13.

Tovey will lead the Orchestra for eight Link Up education concerts in May 2020, welcoming more than 12,000 students from over 100 area schools to The VETS. Link Up is the culmination of a year of in-school music education and support for teachers.

"I'm delighted to be active in the extensive education programs for both the Orchestra and the Music School. I'll be giving masterclasses, working with the youth orchestras, getting out to schools around Rhode Island as much as possible, leading our education concerts and helping to launch the Music School's Westerly Branch at The United Theatre," Tovey said.

"If your picture is on the program book or poster, you have a responsibility to engage audiences of all ages, and to inspire them to not only appreciate great music, but to make their own," he added. "What we do off stage to connect with people, teach and learn from one another is as important as the work we do on stage to inspire as well as explore the human condition through incredible music."

Subscriptions are currently available for as few as four concerts, with discounts for students, children and veterans. Subscriptions can be purchased online at tickets.riphil.org or by phone at 401.248.7000 (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed on holidays). Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets on sale now.

Subscriber benefits include:

• Reserved seats for every TACO Classical or Amica Rush Hour concert, and first priority to upgrade your seats
• Significant ticket discount-eight concerts for the price of seven
• Priority access to special event tickets
• Fifteen percent off on additional series tickets (some restrictions apply)

Groups of 10 or more can arrange a special rate and personalized experience. Visit riphil.org/groups or call 401.248.7076.

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