
Connecting people through music.
That is the mission of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and one that it brought to Essex County council at their most recent meeting.
“We are here to give you a snapshot of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and a glimpse into the future,” explained board chair Deborah Severs.
Severs said that the orchestra is grateful to its audiences and that it enjoys performing.
“We often see you (council members) in our audiences at the Capitol Theatre and enjoy in particular the community concerts we have in and around the county.”
Severs said the WSO has started its main stage performances and will do 40 of those up to May. She acknowledged the orchestra as last year’s Chamber of Commerce Pillar of Community Award recipient.
Not only does the orchestra perform in the city and county but it is well known for its educational programs.
Music director Robert Franz said that the WSO has excellent relationships with the local school boards and make sure to visit each elementary school in the area at least once every three years.
Franz said they plan on putting on a performance at Amherstburg Public School and noted the importance of the orchestra’s string quartet regularly visiting health care facilities such as Seasons Amherstburg.
“These are very important for the development of the young and the young-at-heart,” said Franz who recently had his contract as maestro extended for five years.
One of the educational programs that the WSO does is recording and digitalizing performances that teachers of students in Grades 4 to 6 can listen and learn from.
Severs acknowledged that thanks to continual partnerships the orchestra’s financial future is good.
“Last year was a very successful post-pandemic season for the orchestra,” said Franz.
County councillors were given two complimentary tickets to an upcoming performance by the WSO as well as a calendar of those shows.
Waren Hilda MacDonald who says she has season tickets commented, “thank you for what you do to add to the quality of life for everyone that lives in the region. It is truly appreciated.”
WSO continues to perform in county schools
By Fred Groves
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