The Canadian arts community is mourning the death of Peter Herrndorf, a major figure in the community known for his work at organizations like the National Arts Centre (NAC) and Toronto's Luminato Festival. He was 82.
Herrndorf belonged to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. He led the NAC as President and CEO for 19 years, from 1999 to 2018. He was the founding Board Director of Luminato from 2006, and served as Chair from 2018 until his death.
The NAC's current President and CEO Christopher Deacon, paid tribute to Herrndorf. He said in a statement, "Peter Herrndorf had an enormous impact on the performing arts in Canada. He fundamentally believed that the National Arts Centre belongs to all Canadians, and that it must reach out beyond its home on Elgin Street to Canadian artists, arts organizations, and communities in every part of the country. For nearly 19 years, that belief informed his vision. He was also unfailingly kind and interested in each and every person — artists, staff and audience. It was an honour and a privilege to work for him, and his NAC family will miss him profoundly. We send our deepest condolences to Peter's wife Eva Czigler, his children Katherine and Matthew, and the entire Herrndorf family."
Herrndorf previously served as Chairman and CEO of TVOntario. He co-created the Governor General Performing Arts Awards in 1992, and he was also Chair of Canadian Stage and Chairman of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors. Over the years, he held seats on many other boards and committees. An in-depth biography, detailing his many accomplishments, can be found here.
Herrndorf was born in Amsterdam and raised in Winnipeg. Based in Ottawa, he is survived by wife Eva Czigler and children Katherine and Matthew.
Herrndorf belonged to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. He led the NAC as President and CEO for 19 years, from 1999 to 2018. He was the founding Board Director of Luminato from 2006, and served as Chair from 2018 until his death.
The NAC's current President and CEO Christopher Deacon, paid tribute to Herrndorf. He said in a statement, "Peter Herrndorf had an enormous impact on the performing arts in Canada. He fundamentally believed that the National Arts Centre belongs to all Canadians, and that it must reach out beyond its home on Elgin Street to Canadian artists, arts organizations, and communities in every part of the country. For nearly 19 years, that belief informed his vision. He was also unfailingly kind and interested in each and every person — artists, staff and audience. It was an honour and a privilege to work for him, and his NAC family will miss him profoundly. We send our deepest condolences to Peter's wife Eva Czigler, his children Katherine and Matthew, and the entire Herrndorf family."
Herrndorf previously served as Chairman and CEO of TVOntario. He co-created the Governor General Performing Arts Awards in 1992, and he was also Chair of Canadian Stage and Chairman of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors. Over the years, he held seats on many other boards and committees. An in-depth biography, detailing his many accomplishments, can be found here.
Herrndorf was born in Amsterdam and raised in Winnipeg. Based in Ottawa, he is survived by wife Eva Czigler and children Katherine and Matthew.
