WATCH: WSO honours late Maestro Robert Franz on opening night

On the opening night of their new season, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra paid tribute to the late Maestro Robert Franz, their longtime leader.

Franz, who helped guide listeners through musical storytelling at the WSO for more than a decade, died on Sept. 2, following his second battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

In his memory, the WSO played the Holberg Suite written by Edvard Grieg, one of Franz’s favourites, on Saturday evening. As the orchestra paid homage to their late music director, photos of Franz appeared on stage.

“Robert had a passion for music education and outreach, leaving a legacy for generations of music lovers to come,” said Kyle Kootstra, a member of the WSO Board of Directors.

At each stand, below packages of sheet music, a red bow sat tied in memory of the late maestro.

Crew members who walked the Capitol Theatre floors sported similar showings of “red for Robert” because it was his favourite colour.

Though not there physically, Franz’s musical guidance will continue to be heard throughout the year.

While battling cancer, he planned out the season and went as far as to help find guest conductors.

“Robert and I were very, very close friends and colleagues, and we feel his spirit here, and it’s important for us to continue the fantastic tradition and legacy that he started here,” said Carl Topilow, who served as the guest conductor on Saturday evening.

Friends for decades, Topilow felt he and Franz served as musical “mentors” at times in each other’s lives.

During their time together at the National Repertory Orchestra, Topilow, then the music director and conductor, recalled a one-week period where Franz filled in for him.

“We went to Russia to adopt a little girl. He was in charge of the orchestra for over a week, did three huge concerts,” Topilow said.

“I always felt complete confidence that he would do a great job.”

Ahead of the show, Topilow said he was excited to be able to work with the orchestra and continue Franz’s legacy.

Fueled by a new start to the season and a tribute to honour Franz, the orchestra had a large crowd of more than 500 people in attendance.

Opening weekend at the WSO continues on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with another performance that will include the tribute to Franz.