Windsor Symphony Orchestra

History

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is a Canadian orchestra located in Windsor, Ontario. The orchestra performs in Southwestern Ontario, primarily at the Capitol Theatre, which is the Home of the WSO.

The orchestra was founded in 1941, originally as the Windsor Concert Orchestra, and the name was changed to The Windsor Symphony in 1948. The orchestra's first conductor was Matti Holli, who remained with the orchestra until his death in 1977. Over the decades, the WSO has grown into a fully professional organization, enriching the cultural landscape of the region through its Main Stage performances, Chorus, and extensive community outreach and educational initiatives.

Notable music directors include Dwight Bennett, who helped the orchestra become fully professional in the late 1980s, Susan Haig, and John Morris Russell, under whose tenure the orchestra received a Juno nomination. Robert Franz currently serves as the music director, a position he has held since 2013.

The Importance of the Musicians' Union

The relationship between the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and AFM Local 566 is vital to the flourishing of live orchestral music in our community. The musicians' union plays a crucial role in ensuring that the highly skilled artists of the WSO are treated with the dignity and respect their profession demands.

By negotiating collective bargaining agreements, the union secures fair wages, equitable working conditions, and necessary benefits for the musicians. This stability allows artists to focus on their craft and maintain the world-class artistic standards that WSO audiences expect. Furthermore, the union advocates for the rights of musicians in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media and recording, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work across all platforms. The partnership between the WSO and Local 566 exemplifies how organized labor supports the arts, creating a sustainable environment where both the orchestra and its musicians can thrive.