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In Monday’s (6/1) Beachwood Buzz Magazine (Beachwood, OH), Debby Zelman Rapoport writes, “In many ways, Cleveland Pops Orchestra is a love story set to music. It began with a shared vision between Carl Topilow and his late wife, Shirley Morgenstern Topilow, rooted in the belief that orchestral music could be exceptional, accessible, and fun. Although The Cleveland Orchestra had a strong presence, it did not have an orchestra devoted to symphonic pops. Carl and Shirley believed there was room in the city’s cultural landscape for both—and that Northeast Ohio audiences would embrace the energy, familiarity, and excitement of pops music performed by a full symphonic orchestra…. The orchestra made its public debut on Oct. 12, 1996…. Carl has been bringing music to life from the podium with warmth, artistry, and a sense of showmanship. As founding conductor and music director, he has shaped programs that blend the familiar and the unexpected … performed with the richness of a full symphonic orchestra…. Among Carl’s many accomplishments, Cleveland Pops remains the most personal expression of his life’s work … Today, that legacy is being carried forward by the next generation.”

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.

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.

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

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

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.