Orchestra performing this month in Norwalk

NORWALK — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of music director and conductor Carl Topilow, will present a free outdoor concert, titled Sunshine Songs, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. The performance will be the first time the orchestra has performed at the new Norwalk Reservoir Amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Lake Park, 205 S. Old State Road. Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair or blanket for seating. This event is presented in partnership with Norwalk Parks and Recreation and with funding from various foundations: Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn, Albert G. & Olive H. Schlink, Mylander and Ohio Arts Council. They make it possible to present free programming to our community. What to expect? The concert features a wide-ranging program that spans several musical genres, including patriotic selections, musical theater favorites, film scores and popular music. Guest vocalist Natalie Green will join the orchestra for several selections throughout the performance. Patriotic and Americana selections include John Stafford Smith's "The Star-Spangled Banner," John Philip Sousa's "Liberty Bell March" and "The American Frontier," arranged by Calvin Custer. These works celebrate American heritage and are staples of open-air summer performances. A strong representation of Broadway and musical theater is included in the program. Natalie Green will be featured in "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl, "What I Did for Love" from A Chorus Line and "Cabaret" from Cabaret. Additional selections from this genre include "Popular" from "Wicked," "76 Trombones" from "The Music Man" and the "Overture to The Fantasticks." Music from films and pop culture will also be featured in the program. The orchestra will perform "Themes from Superman" and "Adventures on Earth" from "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," both composed by John Williams. Elton John's music will be represented in a medley from "The Lion King." Natalie Green will also be featured in "Dance the Night" from "Barbie" as well as "Holding Out for a Hero," popularized by Bonnie Tyler. Other selections on the program include "Aspire" by Margaret Konecky and "A Latin American Medley," which will feature Topilow on clarinet. Visit firelandssymphony.com or follow the Firelands Symphony Orchestra on Facebook for more information.