Maestro Robert Franz has passed away.
He was the maestro and music director for Windsor Symphony Orchestra, leading the orchestra since 2013.
His husband Brandon Atkins posted on Facebook this morning (Wednesday), saying "Rest well my handsome prince. You fought valiantly and loved me fiercely. I could not have had a more brilliant love to share this adventure. Thank you for making my life infinitely brighter with you in it. Make sure you shine down on me a little extra today. I’m feeling incredibly raw and missing you."
Earlier this year, the distinguished conductor announced he was battling cancer for a second time.
Franz said in February, he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after successfully undergoing cancer treatment three years ago.
He received a stem cell transplant in the spring to help reboot his system.
Franz was 57.
WSO Board President Deborah Severs said Franz brought incredible joy for live orchestral music to the Windsor Essex community.
"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," Severs said.
"During Robert's 13 years of leadership, the WSO thrived even during a global pandemic. It was Robert's tenacity that continued to share the beauty of music with people during COVID."
The WSO said Franz is survived by his husband Brandon and their three daughters.
Details about a Celebration of Life will be made available once confirmed.