Famed tenor Michael Burgess, who has been battling cancer for many years, passed away on Monday evening at a Toronto hospice at age 70.
According to family friend Bruce Bowser, he died surrounded by friends and family.
In a statement by Mirvish Productions head David Mirvish, “He was a very talented performer with a spellbinding voice and a truly arresting stage presence… Canada has lost one of its major artists. He will be sorely missed.”
“Michael created the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, which was one of the first international blockbusters to have its own production in Canada with a local cast, instead of a touring version. He was magnificent in the role and led the all-Canadian cast to great heights,” Mirvish said.
In memory of Burgess, The Royal Alex and Princess of Wales Theatres will lower their marquee lights for two minutes on Tuesday evening.
The National Arts Centre in Ottawa has also confirmed they will lower their flag in honour of Burgess’ passing.
The loss goes well beyond music theatre fans and includes countless hockey lovers who recall hearing Burgess sing the national anthem at Toronto Maple Leaf games at the Rogers Centre. He also became the first Canadian to sing the national anthem at a World Series baseball game, to over 50 million television viewers.
Burgess was a legend in Canadian musical theatre circles. He was known for his solo concerts, presented with an expressive yet masculine character. He toured extensively and performed with civic symphonies from Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
His signature song is “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables.
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