By Staff
June 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Hall of Fame recognizes persons who have made significant contributions to the performing arts in Burlington (individual or group).
Recipients of this award demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of the City of Burlington. The Hall of Fame award is normally presented to the inductee at BPAC’s Season Launch events.
The Hall of Fame awards are designed by Teresa Seaton.
Boris Brott Lifetime Achievement
Boris Brott
Boris Brott, OC OOnt (March 14, 1944 – April 5, 2022) was a Canadian conductor and motivational speaker. He was one of the most internationally recognized Canadian conductors, having conducted on stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Covent Garden. He was known for his innovative methods of introducing classical music to new audiences. Over his career, he commissioned, performed, and recorded a wide variety of Canadian works.
Brott was the founder and artistic director of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Brott Music Festival, both based in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the founding music director and Conductor Laureate of the New West Symphony in Los Angeles, and artistic director and Conductor of the Orchestre classique de Montreal (formerly the McGill Chamber Orchestra. He was a former Principal Youth and Family conductor with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, where he conducted family and education concerts.
Don Allan is a 2022 Inductee to the Hall of Fame
Don Allan
The name Don Allan will ring a bell for many Burlington residents, especially those with ties to the Burlington Teen Tour Band (also inducted into the BPAC Hall of Fame in 2017). Many refer to Don as Burlington’s Music Man. After spending time in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a clarinetist, Don taught music here in the Halton District School Board and then became the Director of the Burlington Teen Tour Band and later the Burlington Concert Band. With over 40 years of bringing music to youth and taking them around the world to showcase the talent we have here in Burlington, we are pleased to announce that Don Allan is the recipient of the 2022, Hall of Fame Induction.
Gary DeGroote is a 2022 inductee to the Hall of Fame
From the right: Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre, Tammy Fox, Gary DeGroote and his wife. The art work was created by Teresa Seaton
Philanthropist, Gary DeGroote, will take a place in our Hall of Fame as our 2021 Inductee for his incredible contribution to the arts. BPAC’s existence was dependent on a lead gift, something to begin the campaign of raising the funds to build and establish a theatre for the entire community to enjoy. This lead gift was given by no other than Gary DeGroote. He also sat on the Campaign Cabinet as Co- Chair and used his leadership and passion for culture to drive the fundraising initiative which eventually culminated in the opening of Burlington’s world class theatre 11 years ago. Gary insisted the building not bear his or his family name and so it is with great pleasure that we induct him to our Hall of Fame to be recognized again for his contribution and commitment to the Arts.
