Condolences pour in after Hamilton conductor Boris Brott dies in hit-and-run

Condolences and tributes are pouring in for Boris Brott, who was instrumental in building orchestras throughout the country, including right here in Hamilton.

“It’s been absolutely shattering, completely came out of nowhere. Shocking, we’re still in disbelief.” Boris Brott’s children say their dad was incredibly proud of what he was able to accomplish in Hamilton. “What he really loved to do was bring people together, whether that was on stage or in the audience. Bring people together and share music together, that was infectious. His spirit was infectious.”

Brott was the assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic when he was recruited to come to Steeltown in 1969. Brott came to love Hamilton, and Hamilton loved him right back.

He was the director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra until 1990, but he had bigger goals. He started the Brott Music Festival in 1987, and it’s still going strong.

His children will remember who he was away from the spotlight, “he was an awesome dad. He was a lot of fun, a lot of passion, jokes, a lot of puns, bad dad puns. A really great work ethic, and love for what he did, and love for my mom.”

His family has confirmed that the Brott Music Festival will go on, they say that’s what Boris would want.

Boris Brott was 78, his funeral will be held on Sunday afternoon.