The untimely passing of our incoming music director Bramwell Tovey on July 12 was a blow to the entire music world. At the end of our final rehearsal with him last April, in his designate season, he told our musicians that during his long career, he had rarely been so certain that he was exactly where he should be. We were just beginning what we all felt would be an extraordinary partnership. And then he was suddenly gone, and following the initial shock and disbelief, it became clear that, as we were processing our loss, we also had a responsibility to maintain the mission of our orchestra, to serve the community, and to honor Bramwell by continuing the work that he had begun. To that end, the goal of Sarasota Orchestra is retaining as much of the programming that Bramwell had planned during the 2022-2023 season. Bramwell had structured our season to be a well-balanced combination of musical "comfort food," long beloved standards that have stood the test of time, and selections from extraordinary living composers, writing music of our time. Bramwell spoke often that the pandemic has left the world feeling unsettled – so much of what we have always taken for granted has changed – and he wanted Sarasota Orchestra performances to provide a respite from the fear, and the reassurance that art is alive and well in 2022.As we forge ahead into the future, we feel that there is no better way to honor Bramwell Tovey, and all he had hoped to achieve here, than by maintaining his vision for this season. While his time here was short, he left behind a season filled with the music that he most wanted to share with our community, and we are committed to do just that. And so, Sarasota Orchestra will honor Bramwell Tovey’s artistic plans for the 2022-2023 season. We will take our memory of him as our inspiration as we move forward, committed to building the music center he joined us in championing and making great music for everyone in our community. We plan to have important updates in the coming weeks on additional specifics for the coming season. In the meantime, please know that we all stand together in advancing the role of music to inspire and uplift during challenging times, just as Bramwell would have wanted. On behalf of Sarasota Orchestra's musicians, staff, board, and volunteers, we thank you for your condolences and support.