Firelands Orchestra announces formation of Firelands Symphony Chorale

SANDUSKY — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra is expanding its sound.The orchestra announced Tuesday it is forming the Firelands Symphony Chorale, a new choral group that will perform at three Firelands Symphony Orchestra concerts in the 2017-2018 season and also will perform some its own concertsThe director of the new group will be Michael Shirtz, leader of the Michael Shirtz Quartet jazz group and choral conductor for the Lakeside Chautauqua, among other roles.Carl Topilow, the Firelands Symphony Orchestra's musical director and conductor, said the formation of the Firelands Symphony Chorale is a milestone in the orchestra's growth. Referring to Shirtz, Topilow told the Register Tuesday, "He's a wonderful musician and a charismatic leader."The orchestra said the new chorale is booked for three FSO shows: Opening night on Oct. 7, performing selections from Bach's Cantata No. 80, "Ein feste Berg is unser Gott," (e.g., "A Might Fortress is Our God"); the annual holiday show on Dec. 10, and the orchestra's April 21, 2018, concert.In addition, the chorale will take part in the Great Hymns of Faith Festival Oct. 28-29 and will perform the Brahms "Requieum" in March 2018.Ron Brooker, the orchestra's concert master, said he's also pleased about the announcement.""I'm excited that Michael Shirtz will be joining our organization with the formation of The Firelands Symphony Chorale. I've worked with Michael for many years, and not only does he possess a very high degree of musicianship, but he has an acute focus and is very detailed oriented," Brooker said."However, he tempers all of that with a sense of humor that will get the most out of the people he works with. I look forward to working with Michael and the Chorale for many years," he said.Auditions for membership in the Firelands Symphony Chorale will be May 7 and 8 at the orchestra's offices, 334 E. Washington St. For information, email the orchestra's executive director, Laurie Korobkin, at Laurie@firelandssymphony.com.Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Michael Shirtz