Concerts highlight freedom, offer reflection, gratitude

HURON TWP. — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra continues its 2025–26 season this month with two remarkable concerts that highlight themes of freedom, reflection and gratitude: • At 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, the orchestra presents Freedom and Flourishes at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron. • It will be followed by the annual Songs of Thanksgiving chorale concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sandusky. Freedom and Flourishes Freedom and Flourishes features guest pianist Maxim Lando, a medalist of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, performing "Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2" with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Carl Topilow. The program also includes John Williams' stirring "Liberty Fanfare" and Aaron Copland's "A Lincoln Portrait," a narrated work honoring American ideals of courage, integrity and unity. This concert serves as a moving tribute to veterans and active-duty military personnel, offering audiences a musical reflection on liberty and sacrifice expressed through some of the most powerful works of the symphonic repertoire. Songs of Thanksgiving The spirit of gratitude continues the following weekend with Songs of Thanksgiving, a cherished Firelands Symphony Orchestra tradition that brings together the local voices of the orchestra's chorale, under the direction of Michael Shirtz. The program, themed "From Hope, Gratitude," invites listeners into the warmth and intimacy of the holiday season through inspirational choral and orchestral music. Performed in the beautiful setting of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, this concert offers a space for audiences to gather with family and friends and share in a musical expression of thankfulness. Want to go? Together, these two concerts capture the breadth and vitality of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra's artistic vision — one uplifting audiences with grandeur and patriotic resonance, the other inviting reflection and connection through shared gratitude. Tickets for both performances are available at firelandssymphony.com or by calling 419-621-4800. There is a discount for student tickets. These concerts are made possible, in part, by support from the Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, the Sidney Frohman Foundation, the Sam S. & Rose Stein Foundation, the Sandusky Concert Association, Civista Bank Wealth Management and the Ohio Arts Council.