Date of death: April 5, 2022
Funeral will take place on April 10th, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue North, Hamilton. The service will also be streamed on Zoom.
Click here to join the service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88661953430.
Interment will take place at a later time in Montreal.
For those attending the funeral service in-person, full Covid protocols will be enforced. Please arrive well in advance of the service as proof of vaccination and masks will be required. Street parking will be limited.
The mourners will be observing a private family shiva.
If you wish to honour Boris’ memory with a donation, the family asks that you direct those donations to the Brott Music Festival.
Dear Brott family,
You don’t know me, but years ago when I was hitch hiking in Hamilton as a teenager, Mr. Brott picked me up. I was surprised when I saw that it was him in the car. He asked lots of questions until I reached the point where I left his car. He was the friendliest and kindest person to ever do this, and I remember it clearly to this day.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to you all.
As a very young dancer with a young ballet company, I had the privilege of dancing the principal role with the orchestra conducted by Mr. Brott. Although terrified, and his stature intimidating, he was everything that was friendly and easy. He even kissed my hand after the performance, which made me feel very grown up. I’d never heard the music of that ballet played so beautifully until then. It was a pure pleasure to dance “with” him. It was an absolute shock to hear, both of the manner of his passing and his passing. He was an inspiration and a gift to music and the arts, not only here in Canada, but including the wider world. My deepest condolences go to his wife and family.
I was shocked and saddened. I saw the orchestra at our high school. Peter and the wolf. I was entranced.
Ardyth, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Boris. I remember when you and I worked together in 1975 at Wintario. How excited you were to be engaged to Boris. Condolences to you and your family.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of BORIS BROTT, the Celebrated Jewish Great Conductor yesterday morning, the cause of a hit-and-run where the responsible was later apprehended.
BORIS BROTT was active on the Montreal scene and even performed at the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue a splendid concert featuring music of the Great Masters as well as Jewish Music.
His passing leaves the entire music world in complete disarray, bitterness and anger caused by a senseless death.
We wish his family our Sincerest Condoleances.
The Concert at the Maison Symphonique of the Place des Arts, the Mahler concert planned will be publicly dedicated to his memory by the celebrated Austrian Conductor who is also my teacher, Dr. Professor, Alexis Häuser.
Rest in Peace, Boris Brott.
C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous annonçons le décès de BORIS BROTT, le célèbre grand chef d’orchestre juif hier matin, à l’origine d’un délit de fuite dont le coupable a été appréhendé plus tard ce matin.
BORIS BROTT était actif sur la scène Montréalaise et a même donné à la Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue un splendide concert mettant en vedette la musique des Grands Maîtres ainsi que la musique Juive.
Son décès laisse tout le monde de la musique dans le désarroi, l’amertume causée par une mort insensée.
Nous souhaitons à sa famille nos plus sincères condoléances.
Le à la Maison Symphonique de la Place des Arts, le concert Mahler prévu sera publiquement dédié à sa mémoire par le célèbre chef Autrichien qui est aussi mon professeur, le Dr .Professeur
Alexis Häuser.
Repose en paix, Boris Brott.
MAYER SASSON / PRESIDENT / PRÉSIDENT / CONGRÉGATION MAGHEN ABRAHAM
I met Boris in 1971 in West Berlin when we both were in our twenties and sent as representatives from our countries, he from Canada, I from Austria to a musical jeunesse congress. In 1976 I met his mother Lotte Brott at my conducting debut with the OSM where she was associate principal cellist; Throughout the 80s we had regular contact when Boris was at the helm of the Hamilton Philharmonic while I was the director of Orchestra London Canada. And since 2001 we met on many occasions regarding students of McGill he was interested to bring to his summer Academy. In 2015 I had the great honour to perform Alexander Brott’s “Spheres in Orbit” and last Thursday, April 7, two days after Boris’ so tragic and senseless passing, it was on me during a concert in Maison Symphonique in his native city Montreal to speak about him in a tribute as artist, humanist and mentor of countless young musicians, while we dedicated the following Mahler Symphony Nr. 4 to his memory. Less than a week later, it still seems unbearable that our youthful and visionary friend’s life was so tragically shortened while he was full of future plans. The only consolation I can think of is that Boris will
never be forgotten, not by his many young followers, not as he, along with his parents and brother Denis have written musical history in Canada.
I am joined by my wife Cristina and daughter Alexandra in offering our deepest condolences to
Ardyth, their children and to Denis over this so painful loss, sincerely,
Alexis Hauser
I first met Boris in the Fall of 1952 in grade 3 in Royal Vale school. I was, together with my parents, a just arrived 8 year old immigrant from England. For reasons I cannot remember, Boris befriended me and, on one more than one occasion he invited me to his home near our school and introduced me to his parents. In the summer of 2020, I was in the midst of writing my biography and thought I would try to reconnect with Boris- after 68 years! To my delight, he responded to my emails and we subsequently a exchanged a host nostalgic memories and carried out several Zoom meetings while he was on his island retreat. Among the many coincidences we uncovered was his association with a number of orchestras in Italy including one in Bari- a relatively small town very close to where my Italian wife lived. Boris was a delight to talk with; enthusiastic, friendly, engaging and so down to earth. The very characteristics that exemplified his enormous contribution to music in Canada and beyond. My sincere condolences to Ardith and family on this tragic loss.
As a proud Hamiltonian, I can’t remember a time before Hamilton Place, stringed instruments, and Boris Brott. He was one of the biggest supporters of music, community, gratitude, and of course- play. His light, his music, and his spirit will never be silenced, save the pause his passing gave us; to reflect with appreciation even this inexplicable sorrow. May his memory be a blessing. Deepest condolences to Ardyth, Alex, David, Ben, and his family. Thank you for sharing Boris, in life and in this celebration.
Martha Christianson
My heartfelt condolences to Ardyth, Alex, David and Ben on the loss of your beloved husband and father.
I had the honour of spending two summers with Boris as his apprentice conductor with the NAO. I learned more from Boris about music in those two summers than I thought imaginable. His love of family and friends was evident in every fabric of his being. His passion for sharing the love of music with the world was endless. Boris made it possible for countless aspiring musicians to find their careers in professional music performance. His ingenuity, determination, optimism and ability to create that which had not yet been created was awe-inspiring. I will forever share with pride that Boris was the most influential musical mentor I have had and hold the experiences we shared together in loving memory.
There is no end to the number of people Boris lifted up in his lifetime. He had the gift to make others believe in themselves, something he shared with everyone he touched and never reserved. His memory shall live on through all of us. His profound impact on the musical world will never be forgotten.
My condolences to the Brott family,
Brendan Hagan
Ardyth; Condolences to you and your family. I have many memories of my days with Boris in Stratford and Hamilton.
Paul
Ardyth; Sincere condolences to you and your family. I have many memories of my days with Boris in Stratford and Hamilton.
Paul
I was fortunate enough to be part of Brott opera in the summer singing in chorus. That last opera before the pandemic, I was to bring Maestro a champagne glass of sparkling water with which he could toast the audience and musicians at the very last beat. We practiced the timing so that he could flourish the glass in perfect time. We got it right and he glowed and smiled that sparkly smile !
He told me
At the after party (with real champagne this time), graciously hosted by he and Ardyth in their beautiful home, that this was so important because he wanted everyone to know how he appreciated them, audience, musicians, singers everyone!
This will be a lasting memory. Thank you Maestro!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have no words to express how sad I am and so very heartbroken. Boris was one of the greatest conductors I have ever known. He was always supportive and enthusiastic. I will miss him very much.
My condolences to Ardyth and the the entire Brott family.
Boris was one of the most important people in my life and work. He was always supportive and positive, and tireless in his commitment to Canadian artists. His optimistic personality and great sense of humour were always an inspiration. He will be much missed, personally and artistically.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Boris was a very significant jewel in Canadas Crown…
How can it be that he is gone; and in this tragic way?
Great sympathy and loving thoughts to all the Brott and Webster families.
Kathy,Rusty,Sandy,Jimmy Graham
Dear Ardyth and Family,
There are no words I can say to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. Boris was always very special in our lives. It was a shock for everyone to hear how a great human being’s life was cut short in such a senseless way. I am so sorry for your loss Ardyth, we go back a long way when we spent many wonderful times with you and Boris. May God give you the strength to carry on as I know Boris would want you to. May God Bless you and your family and may Boris Rest in Peace.
With love,
Rose Sametz
Sincerest condolences from my family to Ardith and Boris’s family. It was both a shock and deep sadness that I felt when I heard the news of such a tragic and senseless end to a life so well lived. Boris has left us physically but his memory will be eternally kept among us by all who knew him. Such a library of music knowledge, such kindness and generosity, and such compassion for others are rare and will be missed by so many and in in so many ways. Thank you Boris.
My only connection was in 1965/66 or 66/67 when I was a student at the Faculty of Music on Redpath. My introduction to him was through his dad, Alexander Brott. He was my Conducting professor. It was my favorite course and did rather well in my finals. It was truly an honor to have been introduced to both gentlemen. True artists and gifted musicians. It shocked me to the core when I heard all this on the news. All I could say was, ” My God, I knew him, I went to school with him”. To the Brott family, I sincerely extend my heartfelt condolences. He and his dad will never be forgotten, always remembered for sharing their gift with me, a student at McGill University for two years only. God Bless!
Catherine Maroney-Davidson
Dear Ardyth,
I’m shocked and and deeply saddened at your, and Canada’s senseless, sudden loss. Yet thankful for the long and enriching association, in various roles, with you and Boris. Contact with him and his energy tended to be unforgettable, and so it will now continue to be for me and many. My sincerest sympathy to you and the family.
Dearest Ardyth, Alex, David and Ben I am filled with SO much sadness for each of you. Both Gambit and I – our hearts reach out to embrace each of you at this most difficult time. Throughout the 13 years that I worked for the Brott Music Festivals, each of you carved a precious space in my heart that is now aching because of your loss in such a tragic way. The most Empowering take-away for me throughout those years is the recognition and pursuit of human potentialities for doing excellence, endearment, purpose and personal integrity – and the deeper qualities of fervent commitment to express into existence the best expression The Ultimate Creator created us to be and do. And, Ardyth –
whenever I see a rainbow I fondly remember our rainbow moment in your kitchen. May you have many rainbow moments and may they lift you and fill you and carry you into embraces of wonderment, colours and deep peace and sweet satisfaction.
Much Love and Laughter With Grace and Peace
Tracey and Gambit Munro
Tracey Farrell Munro
I had re-connected with Boris years after his early years with the Thunder Bay Symphony, so many years and accomplishments ago.
My condolences to the family.
Aleh ha shalom
Boris was indeed a force of nature, and a talent that will long be remembered in Canada. My sympathies to Denis, Ardyth and family.
Betty Nygaard King
Author, Alexander Brott: My Lives in Music.
Boris Brott introduced different sections of the orchestra to us at St Eugene’s School . One day horns another strings forever remember his kind gentle instruction.
Irena and I are heartbroken to think that Boris is gone and so tragically.
Our love and condolences to Ardyth and the entire Brott family. He will always be enthusiastic and smiling in our hearts.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ardith, Ben, Alex and David on the loss of Boris….he was a great man …..he taught me to love classical music during my summer working for the festival.
Belinda and Stuart Tisnower, Harriette Kligman