[NEohioPAL] Berko interview and preview: Carl Topilow conducts THE LEGACY OF MARVIN HAMLISH for the Cleveland Pops

[Roy Berko]

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Carl Topilow conducts THE LEGACY OF MARVIN HAMLISH for The Cleveland Pops

Roy Berko
(Cleveland Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association)

When those with musical know-how think Carl Topilow, they
conjure--Cleveland Pops Orchestra, multi-hued clarinets, a virtuoso who is
equally at home in both classical and popular music modes, Cleveland
Institute of Music, guest conductor of over 110 orchestras in the US, and
such countries as Canada, China, England, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland and
Venezuela.   Yes, Topilow is a very talented and renowned person in the
field of music.

His reputation, in part, is based on his unique approach to pops
programming.  He is noted for his openness to such factors as audience
involvement and approaching the selection of programs with an open mind to
innovation.

His creativity will be on display when the Cleveland Pops Orchestra
presents "THE LEGACY OF MARVIN HAMLISH: ONE SINGULAR SENSATION" on February
21 at Severance Hall.  The program will feature Broadway legends Donna
McKechnie, Jodi Benson and Doug LaBrecque.  The trio, along with Topilow
will not only perform, but share their past experiences with the recently
deceased Hamlish.

In an interview, Topilow shared that the concert will contain a medley of
the music of Scott Joplin, which Hamlish incorporated when writing the
music for the movie "THE STING."  Included will be "The Entertainer" and
"Easy Winners," which will feature Topilow as clarinet soloist, and
"Solace," which will be a piano solo.

Hamlish is probably best known for composing the score for the legendary
musical, "A CHORUS LINE," including "What I Did for Love," and "At the
Ballet."   Hamlish also wrote such memorable songs as "The Way We Were,"
"Through the Eyes of Love," "Nobody Does it Better" and "They're Playing
Our Song."  All of these will be heard at the concert.

Hamlish, according to Topilow, wrote many lesser known songs which will be
played in the concert, including such songs as "Ordinary Miracles," "One
Song,", "Smile," "Disneyland," and "Dreamers."

The conductor was fortunate to have met Hamlish when Topilow served as his
designated driver when he was in town for an engagement.

He also shared that, in contrast to most Cleveland Pops concerts, "The
majority of the commentary and audience interaction will come from our
guest vocalists, rather than from me."

When probed about how he handles all of his assignments, he indicated that
the major skill is "organizing, figuring out what to do."  "Most people
think of the responsibility of the conductor to be standing in front of the
orchestra and indicating what should be played and when.  Not true," shares
Topilow.  He "organizes the performances and all aspects of the
programs....dancers, choruses, guest performers, video...working for balanced
programs."

To see Topilow and the Cleveland Pops in action: "MARVIN HAMLISH:  ONE
SINGULAR SENSATION,"  February 21, 2014 at 8 p.m. in Severance Hall.  For
tickets, which range in price from $2 to $82, go to the Severance Hall box
office, or call 216-231-1111 or online at http://www.clevelandpops.com.

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