Renowned Canadian conductor Boris Brott, 78, killed in Hamilton hit-and-run

Boris Brott, an internationally-recognized conductor and composer, was identified as the hit-and-run victim in Hamilton early Tuesday.

It’s believed the 78-year-old was struck by a vehicle in the Park Avenue South at Markland Street area around 10:30 a.m. while he was walking in his downtown neighbourhood. Minutes after, officers were called to Hamilton Mountain for reports of a motorist driving on the wrong side of the road.

Brott later died in hospital.

Police said three officers suffered minor injuries and have since been released from hospital.

Ontario’s police watchdog has taken over the investigation as a result.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the incident involving responding officers happened on Elmwood Avenue, between Garth Street and West 19th Street, where a vehicle collided with several police cars.

The SIU said officers are “focused on the interaction between police and the vehicle driver” and not on the collision that involved Brott.

The Orchestre Classique de Montréal issued a statement shortly after news of Brott’s death.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Montreal Classical Orchestra, we would like to share the sad news of the death of our beloved Maestro, Boris Brott. Boris died earlier in the day when he was hit by a car in Hamilton, Ont.,” the non-profit wrote.

“The entire OCM family is in a state of shock and disbelief. Boris Brott was the heart and soul of the Orchestra Classique de Montreal, an extraordinary ambassador of classical music, recognized beyond our borders, a mentor to 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.”

Photo: Annette B. Woloshen pic.twitter.com/EYjhvNgMIQ

— Orchestre classique de Montréal (@orchestre_ca) April 6, 2022

Brott was a world-renown composer and conductor who graced the stages of Carnegie Hall and Covent Garden. He was the founder and artistic director of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Brott Music Festival, both based in Hamilton.

The 78-year-old, who just recently celebrated his birthday, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1989 — and Canada’s largest orchestral music festival has bared his name for nearly 40 years.

Brott called Hamilton home for much of his professional life.

Tributes pour in following news of Brott’s death

Various tributes were made in Brott’s honour, with many labelling the Canadian as a musical genius and “a very, very kind man.”

“Boris Brott was a musical genius and one of the greatest maestros in Canada,” wrote Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General.

“His sudden and tragic passing is a tremendous loss to the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and to the City of Hamilton. I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Ardith, his children and [his] grandchildren.”

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath also issued a statement after the 78-year-old’s untimely death.

“I’m heartbroken at the tragic loss of visionary Canadian conductor, Boris Brott,” Horwath wrote. “From the National Academy Orchestra of Canada to Brott Music Festival and beyond, he shared his love of music with #HamOnt and the world.”

Horwath was born and raised in Hamilton, where she still lives today.

“Thinking of Ardyth and the family as they grieve this loss.”

I'm heartbroken at the tragic loss of visionary Canadian conductor, Boris Brott. From the National Academy Orchestra of Canada to Brott Music Festival and beyond, he shared his love of music with #HamOnt and the world.

Thinking of Ardyth and the family as they grieve this loss.

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) April 5, 2022

Fellow Hamilton MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton-West Ancaster and Dundas) said she’s “shocked and saddened by the news of the passing.”

“[He] was a Canadian treasure, and his visionary, musical talent made all Hamiltonians proud. Ted and I extend our deepest condolences to Ardyth and family,” Shaw said on Twitter.

Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, said, “his tragic death takes from so many of us the joy that his love for music brought.”

“My thoughts are with all those touched by his talent and passion.”

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.