Symphony announces all-Beethoven concert

HURON — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra will perform an all-Beethoven program, including the composer's famous Ninth Symphony. The orchestra, under the baton of its music director and conductor, Carl Topilow, will play at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at Sawmill Creek Resort. General admission tickets for are available at firelandssymphony.com and by phoning the orchestra's office at 419-621-4800. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. In addition, subscription packages for the remainder of the orchestra season are being offered. This performance will feature not only the full orchestra but also the Firelands Symphony Orchestra Chorale and distinguished guest vocalists. The program features the dramatic and stirring "Leonore Overture No. 3," a first-time performance for the FSO, followed by the exhilarating "Hallelujah" from "Christ on the Mount of Olives." The evening culminates with Symphony No. 9, renowned for its powerful "Ode to Joy." Despite the resources it takes to perform it, the Ninth is one of the most frequently performed symphonies in the world. This performance will be presented in its original German text, highlighting the artistry of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra Chorale, under the direction of Michael Shirtz, and four acclaimed guest vocalists: soprano, Kirsten C. Kunkle; alto, Elizabeth Mitchell; tenor, Tim Culver; and bass, Tim LeFebvre.