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Carl Topilow, conductor of the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Orchestra and head of orchestral conducting, retires from the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ at the conclusion of the 2018-19 academic year. On the occasion of his final concert with the Orchestra on April 11, we asked him to reflect on his 37 years at the Institute.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: What are you most proud of from your time at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½?

Carl Topilow: I’m most proud of the opportunity to have been an influence to so many of my students’ lives. I started the masters program in orchestral conducting in 1985, and have enjoyed seeing many of my former students go on to significant careers. 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: Tell us about your first concert at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.

Topilow: My first concert at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ included the Dvořák Symphony No. 6, which we’re performing tonight on my last concert. The concert also included the late Eunice Podis, the great pianist who was a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ faculty member and a legend in the Cleveland community. It was indeed an honor to perform the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto with her. 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: What was the most challenging piece or concert you conducted at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½?

Topilow: Every concert that I conduct is a challenge. Just the idea of standing in front of a group of talented young musicians in order to bring a positive and meaningful experience to each one is a constant challenge and inspiration. 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: What was the most memorable piece or concert you conducted at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½?

Topilow: It’s difficult to single out any specific concert, but I remember conducting The Magic Flute with the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Opera Department with my daughter Jenny, who was a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ freshman, playing in the orchestra. She’s been a violinist with the Charlotte Symphony since 2004.  

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: What was your favorite piece or concert you conducted at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½?

Topilow: Some of my memorable experiences include conducting Verdi’s Falstaff, the Elgar Violin Concerto with Christine Wu, the Barber Piano Concerto with Jeanette Aufiero, Mahler Symphony No. 2 at Severance Hall, just to name a very few.

It’s been a wonderful 37 years. It was the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ position that brought me to Cleveland, and I’ve had the opportunity to take advantage of the fantastic cultural opportunities that our city and region have to offer. I wish to thank my brilliant and supportive colleagues as they continue to bring the unique learning environment that makes ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ so special. 

Join us April 11 as Mr. Topilow leads the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Orchestra in a performance at Severance Hall. You'll hear works from Giuseppe Verdi, Samuel Barber, Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Antonín Dvořák.