Out-of-the-box thinking brings symphony to fabrication plant

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The familiar sounds of John Williams music were emanating from the Uni-Fab fabrication plant on Highway 77 on the evening of Friday, April 29 and patrons came away with a very unique, enjoyable experience.

Just shy of 300 people purchased tickets to listen to the full Windsor Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Robert Franz.

The vast space inside the fabrication plant provided ideal acoustics for the symphony to perform the larger-than-life musical

scores of Williams, who is known for such movie scores as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Superman and Harry Potter.

MAESTRO ROBERT FRANZ

The idea was spawned recently when Maestro Franz spoke to Leamington Mayor Hilda Mac- Donald and CAO Peter Neufeld about finding a unique venue for a full-orchestra concert.

The symphony’s most recent concerts in Leamington have only included a portion of the orchestra due to space limitations.

“He encouraged us to think outside of the box,” said Mayor MacDonald. “I turned to Peter and said, let’s talk to Abe.”

About 300 patrons enjoyed the music of John Willams at the Uni-Fab plant on Highway 77 on Friday, April 29. The unique setting made for some enhanced acoustics.

SUN photo

Abe is Abe Fehr, President and owner of Uni- Fab, known for his commitment to community events.

Abe and his daughter Mary didn’t hesitate and got the idea rolling.

During the course of last week, Uni-Fab employees spent time preparing the main fabrication area to be taken down, and then on Friday afternoon about 15 employees took part in the remarkable transformation from fabrication plant to concert hall.

Margaret Gillie performs a clarinet solo during the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Victor’s Tale from the movie Terminal.

SUN photo

The sounds, the smell and the lighting were just what Maestro Franz wanted — authenticity.

The audience was hanging on every note as the talented orchestra performed many familiar tunes with Franz providing commentary and background prior to each song.

Instruments such as the timpani, shown here, produced some great sounds amplified by the acoustics at the Uni-Fab plant.

“It was so great seeing the community coming together and so excited,” said Maestro Franz. “We loved the space, the acoustics and it was such a fun night.”

Asked whether he’d bring the full orchestra back for another concert at Uni-Fab, he didn’t hesitate.

“We’d love to do it again,” he said. “Lots of possibilities for the future.”