Windsor Symphony Orchestra Music Director Maestro Robert Franz has passed away.
He died on September 2, after a second battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
“Robert brought his incredible joy for live orchestral music to the Windsor Essex community,” said WSO Board President Deborah Severs. “He brought out the best in the WSO with his tenacious spirit, his signature positive attitude and his pure love and passion for the orchestra and the community.”
Franz was the music director with the symphony for 13 years.
Many in the community are mourning his loss.
"A true champion of the arts, of neighbourhood revitalization, and of the power of music to make a difference and transcend barriers of time, place, and language – Robert will be deeply missed," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "On behalf of the Windsor City Council, the City of Windsor, and the residents of our community, I send condolences to Robert’s husband and family, to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra family at the Capitol Theatre, to the arts community in Windsor and the surrounding region, and to all those mourning this incredible loss within Windsor and beyond its borders."
Franz is survived by his husband and their three daughters.
Details about a celebration of life have not been finalized.