Opera Foundation names Burrows "Man of the Year"

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Opera Foundation of Buffalo, Inc., has recognized Thomas Burrows, executive director of the Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo, as the 2005 "Man of the Year" during a reception held Dec. 3 in the Zion United Church of Christ in North Tonawanda.

The award was presented by Gracia Sweeney Docenko, Opera Foundation president, before the organization's moard and membership in recognition of Burrows' lifetime contributions to opera and commitment to the presentation of professional opera in Western New York.

Burrows has served as executive director of the UB Center for the Arts since 1996. His distinguished career in the performing arts began in New York, as production manager of Circle in the Square, while studying directing with Jose Quintero, and later as general manager for The Establishment Theatre Company. His other career achievements include: managing director of Theatre Operations at Yale University School of Drama; general manager of Shaw Festival Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake; General Manager of O'Keefe Centre (currently Hummingbird Theatre) in Toronto, and general manager of Hamilton Place, Hamilton, Ontario. He recently completed a term as president of the board for the Irish Classical Theatre Company.

He is also affiliated with: Artpark & Company, Shaw Festival, the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County, Asian Studies Advisory Board, Film Advisory Board of Buffalo and Erie County and Canadian Studies Advisory Board. Burrows also is a member of ATPAM: the International Association of Auditorium Managers and ISPA: International Society of Performing Arts Foundation.

The Opera Foundation of Buffalo, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to promote and support opera by making funds available to organizations and individuals primarily within Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier. Programs include diligent restriction of one-half of all funds received to the Opera Endowment Fund, a Legacy Society for major donors, and a grants program including the "Take Me Out to the Opera, Please" program, which purchases tickets to opera and opera-related performances for children, Singers' Circle and community outreach and development programs.