Montreal-born, internationally acclaimed conductor, artistic director and Brott Music Festival founder Boris Brott has died. He was 78.
Brott was killed by a driver in a hit-and-run accident yesterday (April 5) in his home city of Hamilton, ON, marking the city's seventh pedestrian fatality of the year [via The Hamilton Spectator].
Local police allege that the driver fled the scene following the accident, but a 33-year-old suspect has since been arrested in connection to Brott's killing. The driver also hit another pedestrian — reportedly in critical condition — that same morning in the Durand neighbourhood.
The celebrated conductor is survived by wife Ardyth, daughter Alexandra (Wes), sons David (Marijana) and Benjamin (Jennifer), and grandchildren Isabella, Jonah, Everett and Remi.
"It is difficult to conceive that our darling husband, beloved father and fun-loving, doting Zaidie has been taken from us so suddenly and senselessly," Brott's wife shared in a statement on behalf of the family, adding:
His unending hugs, his infectious impish smile, his love of tinkering around the cottage are just a tiny portion of the many memories Boris leaves to me, our children and grandchildren at this tragic time.
He also was a larger-than-life creator, artist, educator and motivator. We are so proud of the incredible contribution he has made to Canadian musicians, audiences and young people throughout Hamilton, Canada and the world.
After beginning his career as a violinist, Brott began studying conducting in 1956 at the summer school of French conductor Pierre Monteux. By 1959, at age 15, Brott founded the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra of Montreal in his birthplace.
He went on to conduct for the likes of the Royal Ballet Convent Garden, the BBC Welsh Orchestra and Ottawa's National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as directing orchestras and symphonies internationally and all across Canada.
Brott founded the Brott Music Festival in 1988, and it has since become the country's largest orchestral music festival. It also birthed the National Academy Orchestra of Canada — a mentorship program that pairs music graduates with professional musicians.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger issued a statement dedicated to the "beloved maestro," writing: "Boris was not only a giant in the classical music world, he was also a giant for promoting and building Hamilton and his efforts over decades helped lift our community to new heights."
You can read Eisenberger's full statement below, alongside tributes from Eugene Levy, Terra Lightfoot and more.
Brott was killed by a driver in a hit-and-run accident yesterday (April 5) in his home city of Hamilton, ON, marking the city's seventh pedestrian fatality of the year [via The Hamilton Spectator].
Local police allege that the driver fled the scene following the accident, but a 33-year-old suspect has since been arrested in connection to Brott's killing. The driver also hit another pedestrian — reportedly in critical condition — that same morning in the Durand neighbourhood.
The celebrated conductor is survived by wife Ardyth, daughter Alexandra (Wes), sons David (Marijana) and Benjamin (Jennifer), and grandchildren Isabella, Jonah, Everett and Remi.
"It is difficult to conceive that our darling husband, beloved father and fun-loving, doting Zaidie has been taken from us so suddenly and senselessly," Brott's wife shared in a statement on behalf of the family, adding:
His unending hugs, his infectious impish smile, his love of tinkering around the cottage are just a tiny portion of the many memories Boris leaves to me, our children and grandchildren at this tragic time.
He also was a larger-than-life creator, artist, educator and motivator. We are so proud of the incredible contribution he has made to Canadian musicians, audiences and young people throughout Hamilton, Canada and the world.
After beginning his career as a violinist, Brott began studying conducting in 1956 at the summer school of French conductor Pierre Monteux. By 1959, at age 15, Brott founded the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra of Montreal in his birthplace.
He went on to conduct for the likes of the Royal Ballet Convent Garden, the BBC Welsh Orchestra and Ottawa's National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as directing orchestras and symphonies internationally and all across Canada.
Brott founded the Brott Music Festival in 1988, and it has since become the country's largest orchestral music festival. It also birthed the National Academy Orchestra of Canada — a mentorship program that pairs music graduates with professional musicians.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger issued a statement dedicated to the "beloved maestro," writing: "Boris was not only a giant in the classical music world, he was also a giant for promoting and building Hamilton and his efforts over decades helped lift our community to new heights."
You can read Eisenberger's full statement below, alongside tributes from Eugene Levy, Terra Lightfoot and more.
Sad to hear about the tragic loss of Boris Brott today. Beyond comprehension. He was talented, fiery, kind. In my time collaborating with him, it was easy to ascertain how enamoured he was with his wife, Ardyth, and their family. ❤️
— Terra Lightfoot (@terralightfoot) April 6, 2022
