By Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra
The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will soon present their gala annual “Christmas & Hanukkah Concert”, with special guest conductor Carl Topilow of the Cleveland Pops.
Holiday Concert: World-renown Konstantin Dimitrov will be performing. This special holiday concert will also feature Nishaa Johnson and Marco Romano as powerful vocal soloists. Johnson will sing “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” made famous by Judy Garland in the film, “Meet Me in St. Louis”, as well as “Santa Baby”. Romano will present “The Prayer” in both English and Italian a la Andrea Bocelli and “Nessun Dorma”. The two will sing “White Christmas” as a duet. Besides being the conductor, Carl Topilow will perform by playing “A Clarinet Hanukkah” and “A Clarinet Christmas”. Other Christmas favorites from Tschaikowsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, “Christmas on Broadway” and the mighty Trans-Siberian rendition of “Christmas Eve Sarajevo will be performed. This December concert promises to be a symphonic blend of moving sounds, fun and virtuosity. It will be a live performance of gifted and respected professional musicians.
Concert Performance: There will only be one performance this month. The Thursday, December 8 performance will start at 7:30 PM at the at Living Drama Theatre located in the Eustis Big Lots Plaza at 431 Plaza Drive, Eustis, FL 32726. This 500-seat theater is a historical landmark and it was newly renovated by Joseph Duarte with plush red velvet seating and full-service lobby. Attendees are urged to arrive early for their choice of upfront seating.
Carl Topilow is the Florida Lakes Orchestra’s principal guest conductor. Topilow is the Director of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s orchestral program, Music Director of the National Repertory Orchestra and the Firelands Symphony Orchestra in Sandusky, Ohio. He is in his 25th year as the Founding Conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. He has served as a guest conductor for more than 120 orchestras in 37 states and 12 foreign countries. Topilow continues to perform as a clarinetist and a pianist with orchestras as well as with informal recitals.
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Celebrating New 18th Season: On Thursday, January 5, the joyous New Year Concert will be held at ‘The Cross,’ formerly “Lake Receptions” in Mount Dora. This Viennese-style performance will be conducted by Paul Hostetter. The Friday, January 6 performance will be held at the Minneola City Hall. On February 2 & 3, the Florida Lakes Symphony will perform a special Valentine’s Concert with romantic themes and surprise guests. On March 9 & 10, Carl Topilow will be back to share an inspiring Irish program. The season will conclude on April 20 & 21 with a Spring Pops program.
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: In 2005, the internationally respected classical concert pianist and composer Guy Saint-Clair came to Lake County from their home in Europe with his wife and portrait artist Audrey Sanders. That same year they established the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Through the years, they have hosted a series of guest conductors from around the world.
Virtuoso Bulgarian violinist Konstantin Dimitrov has anchored the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra since 2006 as Concert Master and soloist. With the immense guiding light and musical sense of the Founder, Guy Saint-Clair with supportive artistic and administrative skills of the co-founder, Audrey Sanders as Executive Director, this orchestra was established as a formidable force on the cultural scene of Central Florida.
Concert Donors & Sponsors: The Florida Lakes Symphony is thankful for sponsors through whom the orchestra is able to bring these special concerts to all of us. To become a sponsor, contact Audrey Sanders at 352-343-0733.
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: Concert tickets are still only $42 in advance or $45 at the door. Families of four inclusive of 2 Adults and 2 Students are only $50. Students are only $15 with accompanying parents or teachers are only $25. Group tickets are always available for any concert. Including the five remaining concert season tickets for $180. Call 352-343-0733 for more information and to pay by credit card. Visit: www.FloridaLakesSymphonyOrchestra.com. Follow the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/floridalakesymphonyorchestra/?ref=bookmarks. You can mail checks for tickets to: FLSO, 112 First Street, Tavares, FL 32778.
