Firelands Symphony Orchestra

The Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) was founded in 1983 when a group of musicians performed a concert at St. Mary’s Church in Sandusky, Ohio. Initially named The Fine Arts Chamber Orchestra, it was directed by Timothy Claughbaugh. Over the years, the orchestra evolved, and in 1992, under the leadership of J. Santos Perez, it was renamed the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 2008, Carl Topilow has served as the music director and conductor, enhancing the orchestra's profile by incorporating local and Cleveland-area professional musicians, as well as students from the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. The FSO is dedicated to enriching lives through music, offering year-round concerts, educational programs, and community engagement. Its vision is to become the premier provider of live quality music in North Central Ohio, adhering to values of fiscal responsibility, diversity, inclusiveness, and ethical standards. The FSO also runs a School of Music, providing affordable private lessons and masterclasses.