Page 26 - Leisure Living Magazine Autumn 2017

On Stage,In Concert
& Other Celebrations
Compiled by Catharine Hadley, Arts and Entertainment Editor, catharinehadley@gmail.com
Topilow Celebrates 10 Seasons With FSO
Carl Topilow is beginning his tenth sea- son as conductor of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra performed an outdoor con- cert in Norwalk in August, and another on September 17 in Vermilion. The orchestra’s subscription season begins at the State The- atre in Sandusky on Oct. 7.
The veteran of the music world, Topilow has served as guest conductor with 120 or- chestras in 37 states and a dozen countries, so one might assume not much would sur- prise him. However, he has been pleasantly surprised during his tenure with the FSO, but with something that happens off the concert stage.
“I’ve been very pleased with the support I’ve gotten from the board of directors and the public in general. They’ve been very ac- tive in fundraising,” he said.
Money is necessary to operate an orches- tra, and even more is needed for a high-qual- ity orchestra. Hundreds of people attended the fundraiser gala in May at Sawmill Creek.
“The orchestra raised a great deal of mon- ey that evening! It’s indicative of the amaz- ing support we’ve received each year.”
The community support – and Topilow’s popularity – are also evident in the number of subscriptions. When he came to the FSO in 2008, the orchestra had 56 season tick- et holders. This year more than 500 people have subscriptions.
“The staff and board members were ea- ger to do something special. I’ve enjoyed my work with the orchestra immensely.”
He gave credit to Jamie Steineman, the first executive director, for her support and hard work in growing the orchestra and its budget. Laurie Korobkin, the current ex- ecutive director, is continuing this upward trend.
The orchestra season includes six perfor- mances, plus a fundraiser and several school ensemble presentations. Each year musi- cians audition for seats in the orchestra. The orchestra is comprised of local musicians, area music teachers, and college music stu- dents.
The soloists, many of whom are world-re- nowned, are often featured. These guest artists have included Cleveland Institute of Music fac- ulty, Cleveland Orchestra mem- bers, and even the winner of the Tchaikovsky International Piano
Competition, Daniil Trifonov. Topilow has seen the quality of the orchestra improve each year. “The orchestra is playing at a really high level right now. We work hard at rehearsals, and I particularly enjoy hear- ing how we arrive at the final product. The orchestra mem- bers are proud of their many
accomplishments.”
A graduate of the Manhattan
26 |LeisureLiving Autumn 2017
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Topilow delights audiences