Symphony announces next season's shows

HURON — The Firelands Symphony Orchestra recently announced a variety of shows for its 2025-26 concert season. The 33rd season runs from October through April and includes six principal series orchestra concerts plus two chorale-only concert programs. This season features stunning guest artists as well as a lot of firsts for the orchestra: the orchestra's first cinema concert, first rock concert and first season offering two performances for the annual holiday pops concert. Carl Topilow, the orchestra's music director and conductor, and Michael Shirtz, the chorale director and conductor, have crafted a season that explores music from around the world and of different genres, including classical masterpieces, hits from Broadway, popular and rock 'n' roll tunes and music from Scotland, Italy and more. Season schedule Here's a look at this season's shows: 1. Scotland and Strings • Who/What: An orchestra concert featuring guest artist Annelle Gregory on the violin; It will also pay tribute to Scotland. • When/Where: 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive, Huron 2. Freedom and Flourishes • Who/What: An orchestra concert featuring guest artist Maxim Lando, who will perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, on the piano; It's also a patriotic program honoring veterans and active-duty military personnel. • When/Where: 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Sawmill Creek Resort 3. Songs of Thanksgiving • Who/What: Songs of Thanksgiving, a chorale concert; The annual chorale concert helps to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, inspiring hope and gratitude for family and friends. • When/Where: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky 4. Holidays and Harmonies • Who/What: An orchestra and chorale concert featuring guest artist Darryl Lewis, an acclaimed baritone; The annual holiday pops concert also features the Firelands Symphony Orchestra's chorale. • When/Where: 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Sawmill Creek Resort 5. Intonations and Italia • Who/What: An orchestra and chorale concert; It will be a musical tour of Italy with guest tenor Jonathan Kaufman and the orchestra's chorale also joining. Highlights include Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italienne and Mendelssohn's Saltarello. • When/Where: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Sawmill Creek Resort6. Symphony Rocks • Who/What: An orchestra concert; It will feature guest artists Lauren Berry, Connor Bogart O'Brien and Natalie Green. Attendees can expect the best of rock 'n' roll from the 1950s to the 2000s, performed by the orchestra and the guest vocalists. • When/Where: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Sawmill Creek Resort 7. Charlie Chaplin Cinema Concert • Who/What: An orchestra concert; Members of the orchestra will perform live scores during two Charlie Chaplin classics: "Shoulder Arms" and "A Dog's Life." • When/Where: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Sawmill Creek Resort 8. Anything Can Happen • Who/What: A chorale concert; The chorale celebrates 100 years of Broadway. Joined with a series of friends, the chorale sings everything from "Rodgers & Hammerstein" to "Wicked." • When/Where: 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk Want to go? General admission subscription packages are now available online and at the orchestra's office! People can visit firelandssymphony.com/tickets or call the office at 419-621-4800 for more information. Bio blast The Firelands Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit regional arts organization sustained by strong community support and patron loyalty. Its mission is "enriching lives through music." The organization achieves its mission by engaging audiences with outstanding live performances, cultivating appreciation for musical excellence through education and community engagement while maintaining high standards of organizational and financial stability. Visit www.firelandssymphony.com for more information.