Equally at home in the symphonic pops and classical world, Carl Topilow, founding conductor of the renowned Cleveland Pops Orchestra, combines decades of experience as conductor, clarinetist, and entertainer, presenting innovative concerts in both the pops and classical spheres.

Music Director and Conductor, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra

Music Director and Conductor, Firelands Symphony Orchestra

Music Advisor, National Repertory Orchestra

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Upcoming Concerts

 

Oct. 29 - Nov. 1

Conducting Workshop: Purdue

West Lafayette, IN

Sun., Nov. 16 at 4pm

Freedom & Flourishes

Firelands Symphony Orchestra

Huron, OH

Sun., Nov. 30 at 2pm & 6pm

Jingle Bell Jamboree

Cleveland Pops Orchestra

Cleveland, OH

Sun., Dec. 14 at 2Pm & 6:30pm

Holidays & Harmonies

Firelands Symphony Orchestra

Huron, OH

 

Press

 
Press
Cleveland Pops at 30: vibrant music fills anniversary season

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra is about to hit a big milestone: 30 years of making music that fills concert halls and radiates out into the community, touching hearts in unforgettable ways.

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Special Guests Join WSO to Continue Franz’s Vision

As the community mourns the loss of Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) Maestro Robert Franz, special guests have stepped-up to ensure Franz’s musical vision is realized.

Franz passed away on September 2 after a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“Robert created this entire season of music,” says WSO Board Chair, Deborah Severs. “This season is his vision. It is the music and guest artists that he knew Windsor Essex audiences would enjoy.”

As Franz was going through cancer treatment, he knew he would not have the strength to conduct the first part of the new season. He then worked with the WSO team to secure guest conductors to lead the orchestra until the end of the calendar year.

A long-time mentor of Robert’s, Carl Topilow, will be conducting the WSO’s Opening Night with Gershwin concert on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. In addition to the talent and enthusiasm that Topilow brings to the stage, pianist extraordinaire, Kevin Cole, will perform Gershwin’s Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra.

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Cleveland Pops catalyst Carl Topilow molding next-generation orchestra conductors here at home

Read all about Carl’s latest Conductor’s Workshop.

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Contract Extension for Music Director Carl Topilow at Firelands Symphony

Carl Topilow has signed a three-year contract with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, in Huron, Ohio, that will continue through the 2027-28 season.

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Topilow signs new 3-year contract with orchestra

Firelands Symphony Orchestra has locked in the orchestra's popular music director, Carl Topilow, for another three years.

Topilow, the orchestra's music director and conductor, has inked a new three-year contract to stay.

His new deal spans the orchestra's 2027-2028 season.

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Cleveland Pops and LEGACY: Broadway on the Severance stage (Feb. 1)

Cleveland is no stranger to welcoming Broadway talent, with Playhouse Square regularly hosting national tours of award-winning musicals. But on February 1, it felt like Broadway came to Severance Music Center instead.

The vocal quartet LEGACY teamed up with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra to present “Music of Motown,” a high-energy evening that was memorable in the best way. “Tonight is about having a really good time,” LEGACY founder Justin Reynolds promised the packed crowd — and the two groups certainly delivered.

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