More than 1,000 people attend Firelands Symphony holiday concert at State
December 2009, SANDUSKY - Attendance at Firelands Symphony Orchestra concerts is reaching a crescendo. The symphony's holiday concert Sunday at the Sandusky State Theatre drew a crowd of 1,100 people, the biggest crowd in the regional orchestra's history, said Jamie Steinemann, executive director of the orchestra. Publicity about the return of Sandusky native Lynne Wintersteller helped swell the crowd, but the growing local reputation of conductor Carl Topilow, now in his second season, also seems to be helping. The upswing in attendance seems to apply to the entire season rather than just one event.
The crowd at the orchestra's fall opening concert was more than 700, up from about 600 for the opening concert in 2008. And the number of season ticket sales, a key metric for the orchestra, went up from 220 in 2008-09 to 345 for the current 2009-10 season, Steinemann said. That's a jump of about 57 percent. "We hope to continue that trend," she said. "I'm on the advisory board for the League of American Orchestras. Our situation is pretty unique," said Steinemann, who became the executive director in April 2008. "Most orchestras are seeing a pretty significant decline in ticket buyers."
When orchestras have managed a hike in ticket sales in the current climate, "it's usually very connected to a situation in that community," said Judith Kurnick, vice president for strategic communications at the League of American Orchestras. "A personality, an artistic vision can galvanize the energy around the orchestra and pull in the community in very exciting ways," said Kurnick, who said the jump in season ticket sales in Sandusky suggests confidence in the direction Topilow is taking the orchestra.
Steinemann said audience surveys and other indicators suggest Topilow is going over well. Topilow has brought showmanship to the concerts, which often include a surprise. Audience members were drafted on the spot, for example, to bang on anvils during a rendition of Verdi's "Anvil Chorus."
The conductor, the founder and leader of the Cleveland Pops, said he also has tried to provide balanced programming. The Sept. 26 opening concert this fall featured a world-class pianist, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, playing a beloved classical music standard, Grieg's piano concerto. But the concerts also feature a nod toward more pop-oriented listeners.
Topilow said he looks for "things people can relate to and enjoy" and tries to offer "balanced, interesting programs so there's something for everyone." Steinemann said Topilow's experience founding and running an orchestra in Cleveland has been a plus. "He's very budget-conscious as a result of that," she said. "He knows how to build an orchestra from the ground up."
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