Staff
Brian Levine, Chief Executive Officer
Since 2007, Brian Levine has been providing dynamic leadership and a new strategic vision to repositioning the organization and its signature project, The Glenn Gould Prize, as a leading world-level arts institution. He was co-founder of The Dorian Group, Ltd., a leading independent classical and world music label. A native of Toronto, Brian was educated at University College and University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
In January 2013, Brian was awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal from The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada and The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. The Medal honoured Brian’s achievements in music education for children and building The Glenn Gould Foundation into an internationally-known arts organization.
Avril Helbig, Director of Development
Avril Helbig is a development specialist with over three decades creating and launching funding rationales for many organizations. Her work has included institutions, arts presenters and facilities, creative industry accelerators, arts service organizations and networks, festivals and producers, touring and producing artists, management and agency firms. She has developed frameworks for single and multi year government and foundation funding on behalf of her clients from all levels of government, and has obtained capital, project, operational, organizational and special initiative funding from municipal, provincial and federal funders both within and outside of the arts and culture envelope. Avril has developed everything from integrated sponsorship campaigns that include proposals to banks, private corporations, individuals and donors, to customized, targeted approaches to potential stakeholders. Her approach always includes cultivating an awareness of larger sectoral issues and key stakeholders.
Michael Berec, Director of Operations and Production
Whether writing music for film/tv, music directing live events, or working for non-profits, Michael has devoted his life to creating transcendent experiences that inspire and bring community together through the power of beautiful music. As a conductor, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Michael has been featured on Canada’s National Classical radio station 96.3 and has had the pleasure to perform and work with such great diverse artists as the late violinist Jacques Israelievitch, pianist Christina Petrowska-Quilico, Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle, Latin sensation Jon Secada, and the Canadian Tenors. He has appeared on-camera as a musician in such productions as the Oscar award-winning film The Shape of Water and the Emmy award-winning television series, The Handmaid’s Tale. Recently he completed conducting and composing the score for the seventh season of the award winning Hallmark television series “Good Witch.” With over 18+ years of music administrative experience, he has worked in both the private and non-profit sectors. From being a Director of Operations and Director of Production at entertainment companies to Artistic Director at non-profits, Michael has accumulated a wealth of experience in the music industry.