Jamie Farr appears with symphony for 'The Planets'

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Actor Jamie Farr has proven that he will go the distance for his hometown. His annual LPGA tournament, the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger, has raised millions for local charities.

This weekend, however, Farr will take a swing at a new starring role - he'll be narrator for a special Toledo Symphony performance of Gustav Holst's "The Planets," at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.

"This is the first time I have done this with any symphony orchestra," Farr said via e-mail earlier this week. "I was honored to be asked."

While Jeffrey Pollock conducts the famous English tone poem, Farr will tell the tales of Mars, Neptune, Mercury, Venus, and other celestial bodies in our solar system. A series of images shot recently by the Hubble Telescope will provide the visuals.

Also on the program are works by Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner, and Igor Stravinsky.

Farr is donating his services for the appearance. "I always try to give back," he said.

"This is a fine city with fine people and, much like many American cities today, it has had hard times economically. Anything we can do to make a difference is worth a try. I am delighted that I can be a part of that."

Information on the few remaining tickets for this concert is available at toledosymphony.com or 419-246-8000.