Firelands Symphony plans six-concert 2019-2020 season

SANDUSKY — Carl Topilow, the music director and conductor of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, said he enjoys the freedom he's allowed when he puts together the program for the orchestra's annual seasons."There's no orchestra committee reviewing my programs," said Topilow, now in his 12th year leading Sandusky's orchestra. "I may bounce ideas off people, but generally speaking, I do my thing. It's very refreshing."As in past years, Topilow has included pop music along with plenty of classical music.And although he's continued orchestra traditions such as a patriotic concert and the annual December holiday show, he's also added many special touches, such as a silent film comedy on opening night.He's also been known to play the clarinet, show video and bring in talented musical guest stars, including colleagues from the Cleveland Institute of Music.Topilow says he's tried to develop a feeling of trust from loyal orchestra patrons."They know if they come to the theater they are going to see something special," he said."It's important to always keep in mind the element of entertainment," Topilow said. "We are living in a time where people have lots of choices. We want them to choose the symphony because they want to see something special."Here's a look at the orchestra's 2019-2020 concert seasonNote: All six concerts take place at the Sandusky State Theatre in downtown Sandusky.• The Organ Symphony, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5.The show features the Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78 by Charles-Camille Saint-Saens.Melodies from the symphony were used in the movie "Babe," about a pig, said Topilow.Years ago, when the conductor was walking through a store, he heard a familiar melody and saw a video of the movie.The concert also will feature a silent Laurel and Hardy movie, "Big Business," accompanied by Todd Wilson on pipe organ, and an appearance by the Neos Dance Theater, which will have dancers performing to the music of "Roumanian Rhapsody" by George Enesco.• Heroes of the Ages, 4 p.m. Nov. 17.The annual patriotic pops show will feature the Saxton's Cornet Band, which will recreate a concert experience from the Civil War era.The orchestra also will be joined by the Firelands Symphony Chorale, led by Michael Shirtz.• Holidays Around the World, 4 p.m. Dec. 15.The annual holiday show will feature the orchestra joined once again by the Firelands Symphony Chorale, playing music from places such as England, France, Brazil, Africa, Spain and Germany."It's really sort of a different program," Topilow said.• A Night of Opera, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22., 2020Guest opera singers Katherine McGookey and Christopher Bozeka will be singing opera greatest hits from the likes of Mozart and Donizetti but there's a modern hit, too. The Firelands Symphony Chorale will perform "Bohemian Rhapsody" from rock group Queen's "A Night at the Opera" album.• Mambo Kings "Havana Nights," a Latin jazz ensemble concert, 7:30 p.m. March 28, 2020Featuring the Mambo Kings and Camille Zamora. The Firelands Symphony Orchestra will not be performing, but you'll hear a wide range of Latin-tinged music.• Sax in the City, 7:30 p.m. April 18.The Donald Sinta saxophone quartet will perform, and there will be works by two prominent modern composers with local ties: William Bolcom from the University of Michigan and Jennifer Higdon, a Bowling Green State University graduate.The orchestra will play Higdon's "Blue Cathedral." Higdon is one of the most popular living composers in America today.For information on tickets, visit firelandssymphony.com/season-tickets/ or call 419-621-4800.The free summer pops concert, 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at BGSU Firelands, will feature a special promotion for people who buy tickets for the concert season, said Laurie Korobkin, executive director of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra.Saxton's Cornet Band, which will be featured in the November concert by the Firelands Sympnony Orchestra. Camille Zamora and the Mambo Kings. Maestro Carl Topilow leading the Firelands Symphony Orchestra.