The orchestra shared the news in a Facebook post that called him “heart and soul”. “The entire OCM family is in a state of shock and mistrust,” the band’s leadership said in a post. “[He was] an outstanding ambassador of classical music, recognized beyond our borders, mentor of countless young musicians and a very dear friend to many among them. “His sudden death leaves a deep void in the music community and a great sadness in our hearts.” Brott was also the founding artistic director of the Hamilton Brott Music Festival and the National Academy Orchestra. (CBC Hamilton)
Brott was a titan of classical music, both in Canada and internationally. Born in 1944, he was the founding artistic director of the Brott Music Festival and the National Academy Orchestra, an educational orchestra also based in the city. “He will be greatly missed by all those who appreciated his unsurpassed talent and those who loved him,” the Brott Music Festival said in a Facebook post. Brot, who has played for Pope Francis more than once, has also held positions in Europe and the United States during his historic career. He became an officer of the Order of Canada in 1987. “The Brott Family is a musical right in Canada and it was one of my greatest honors to have known them as friends and to have worked with Boris for almost 20 years,” classical pianist Sara Davis Buechner wrote on Facebook. Buechner recalled performing Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto with Brott in the fall. “My condolences are extended to all of Boris Broot’s family, friends around the world and many who have had the good fortune to hear his excellent performances during a long and fantastically creative life.” Brott began his life in Montreal. His parents were Alexander Brott, a violinist and composer, and cellist Lotte Brott. His younger brother is cellist Denis Brott. I am devastated by the tragic loss of the visionary Canadian conductor, Boris Brot. From the National Academy of Sciences of Canada to the Brott Music Festival and beyond, he shared his love of music with I think of Ardith and the family as they mourn this loss. – @ AndreaHorwath
A motivational speaker and cultural ambassador, Brott was also a member of the Order of Ontario and an officer of the Order of Quebec. Brott received an honorary doctorate from the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in 2013.