Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Franz

Dear Campus Community, 

It is with a heavy heart that I share that alumnus and UNCSA Symphony Orchestra Music Director Robert Franz passed away yesterday after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. 

This is devastating news for our community, and particularly for our School of Music. Robert was beloved by his students, fellow faculty and the entire music community as a true musician’s musician. He loved what he did, particularly making music with our students. It was his calling.

As Dean Saxton Rose shared with School of Music students earlier today: “It is an unimaginable loss. Robert was a brilliant musician, a cherished colleague, and a dear friend to so many of us. As a UNCSA alumnus, he had a long history in Winston-Salem and will be missed by all of us here at UNCSA and throughout our broader community.”

Robert was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. He was in remission when it returned late last year, and several rounds of intensive therapies were ineffective. He had already been working on the orchestra’s season and had originally planned to conduct “The Nutcracker” this December.   

A native of Davidson, Robert graduated from UNCSA with a Bachelor of Music in oboe performance in 1990 and then became the school’s first graduate student in conducting, earning a master’s degree in 1992. 

He was named music director of the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra in March 2023, taking on the position beginning with the 2023-24 academic year and performance season. Prior to that, he served as resident guest conductor for a year.

Upon his appointment, Robert had said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to my alma mater in this new role. UNCSA is a very special place for me and the thousands of music students who have come through the program. I’m honored to be a part of its storied history.”  

Robert had lived in Winston-Salem and worked with the Winston-Salem Symphony for several years. He was called “a favorite of local audiences and musicians alike” by CVNC, the classical music website.  

Recognized as “an outstanding musician with profound intelligence,” Robert was an acclaimed conductor who also served as music director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in Canada and artistic director of the Boise Baroque Orchestra in Idaho as well as his role at UNCSA. For more about Robert’s accomplished career, visit his faculty webpage or his personal website.     

If you are having difficulty in processing this news and would like to speak to someone in person, please know that members of our counseling team are available in the Wellness Center for walk-ins. Students can also access free mental health support through Uwill teletherapy online or by calling 833-646-1526. Faculty and staff can access support and resources through our UNCSA Employee Assistance Program administered by ComPsych online or by calling 888-311-4327. 

We will share plans for Robert’s celebration of life as soon as they are available. We are also planning to dedicate the Sept. 13 UNCSA Symphony Orchestra concert to him. 

Sincerely,

Brian Cole 
Chancellor