Superheroes symphony set to soar onto the stage in Windsor
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is set to bring to life the iconic themes and music that have defined the world of superheroes across generations.
WSO kicks off a series of three superheroes concerts at Nature Farm Fresh Recreation Centre in Leamington on Friday night. Shows will also be held Saturday and Sunday at The Capitol Theatre.
Robert Franz, the orchestra's conductor and music director, said they decided to do the superheroes concerts because "the music is spectacular," adding there are many people who love both symphonic music and superhero movies.
"I really love the idea that there's a whole population of people out there that listen to symphony orchestras all the time [especially at the movies] and maybe don't realize it," he said on Windsor Morning.
According to Franz, "there's something about the grandness and the scope of the music that really, especially when you hear it back to back, you think, 'Wow, this is so much bigger than life.'
"And I really think that's what superheroes are about, right? This idea of being bigger than us, bigger than humans, just really expansive. And there's something about hearing a folk symphony orchestra perform this music without the movie. So, you really get enveloped by the sound and by just the grandeur of it all."
Robert Franz is seen here conducting for the WSO. (Submitted by Robert Franz)
In addition to the orchestra's regular music lovers, Franz said they are looking forward to seeing other people at the weekend shows.
"I really hope people who have never darkened the door of the Capitol Theatre to hear the Windsor Symphony [would] say 'Wow, music of Thor, music of The Avengers, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Spider-Man. I mean, let's go try this. This is cool.'"
Live orchestral music is 'impactful'
WSO executive director Patti Lauzon said this particular concert weekend is something for everyone, especially for people who have always loved superheroes.
"Whether it's Marvel or DC [Universe], it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter which one you love," she told CBC Windsor.
"I know people sometimes usually have a favourite, but it's a real opportunity for us as an organization to show that live orchestral music — it's moving, it's impactful and it's really important."
LISTEN | Robert Franz, WSO's music director, talks with Windsor Morning's Peter Duck:
While the long-standing tradition is to dress up when you go out for a night at the symphony, WSO is encouraging people coming to its concerts this weekend to leave the gowns and tuxedos behind, and instead suit up in tights and capes. There's also a bonus for kids who attend — free comic books, Franz said.
The date, time and location for the concerts are:
Friday, April 19: 7:30 p.m. at Nature Farm Fresh Recreation Centre, Leamington.
Saturday, April 20: 7:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre.
Sunday, April 21:t 2:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre.
