All That Jazz

With a wave of his baton, Cleveland Pops Orchestra director Carl Topilow will transform Severance Hall into a jazzy speakeasy tonight at Cabaret Nights. Featuring Broadway singers Susan Egan and Sal Viviano, the show includes cabaret-style tunes by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and others. "This is the music I really love," says Topilow.

The idea for Cabaret Nights came last year at a similar program Topilow conducted with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, which also includes Egan and Viviano. "It was so much fun, I decided to invite them to Cleveland," Topilow says. "They're amazing — they can sing, they can dance."

Topilow is also prepping his signature red clarinet for a performance that he promises will be quite unlike the pieces audiences typically see by the orchestra. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with the tunes; Topilow will introduce each number with a brief history lesson. "I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm," he says.
Fri., April 28, 8 p.m.