COLUMBIANA — Sundays will be memorable for the The Gathering Place during the months of September and October. Come 3 p.m. on six consecutive Sundays, a series of instrumental concerts will be offered as free concerts, with an emphasis on semi-classical music — the music Idabelle Firestone loved and composed.

It all began this past Sunday, Sept. 10, with the first symphony performed in the park by the 47-piece Firestone Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Charles Kobb, they played to an appreciative audience gathered in the afternoon sun under a canopy, among the beautiful blossoms of the park. The selections were familiar pieces of Americana from Broadway shows and notable composers. The strains of a Sousa march, selections from Copland, John Williams and Idabelle Firestone resounded across the park. The afternoon program also offered the premier showing of the Restoration and Beautification Committee’s Documentary by filmmaker Josh Menning. It told the story of “An American Legacy,” the restoration of Firestone Park and its dedication to Bradford Tingle.

In the next five weeks that follow, audiences can hear “Suburban Brass” (Sunday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.); a performance by “Edelweiss,” a quintet including clarinets, oboe and string bass featuring Baroque as well as modern music; “Allure,” a chamber ensemble of violins and cello playing traditional pieces; a group called “Bravura,” offering the music of friends with woodwind instruments: and finally a group presenting traditional Scottish and Irish tunes with harps and bagpipes. Varied instrumental groups all, they plan to make beautiful music from the steps of Idabelle’s Gathering Place. If the weather is a problem, the performances will be held at Grace Church, Main Street, Columbiana.

The programs are sponsored by WFMJ 21 TV and The Tingle Family Restoration Foundation, with Pat Tingle Executive Producer, Brenda Bradley Music Director, Rose Conrad Producer and Public Relations director, and Staff Assistance by Jay Brothers and Tim Macmenamin. Girl Scouts are providing the flag presentation. More information on these musical events may be found on facebook at Idabelle Firestone Concert Series.