“ Sorrell and her dazzling period band… are incandescent. ”
Dear Friends,
When I launched Apollo's Fire in 1992, I never dreamed that 35 years later we would have built here in Northeast Ohio one of the nation's three largest audiences for baroque music. I never imagined we would win a GRAMMY®, or carry the torch of Cleveland to the capitals of Europe. This has happened because of you. You help us create the magic of live performance – the potent brew of phenomenal musicians, joy onstage, enlightening history, and timeless myths that help us all to connect as fellow wanderers in this world. Join us, and let's make that magic together.
An International Baroque Orchestra at Home in Northeast Ohio
GRAMMY® winners Apollo's Fire and Jeannette Sorrell bring "joyous spontaneity" (The New Yorker) to performances around the world — with standing ovations at Carnegie Hall and Europe's finest concert halls. But what we love most is bringing world-class concerts to your doorstep. With over 24 million views on YouTube, we bring baroque music to audiences today with contemporary immediacy — not only with period instruments, but with the emotional impact the music was meant to convey.
photo by Dale Dong
“One of the most ADMIRED early music ensembles in the U.S.” – GRAMOPHONE (UK) “TRANSCENDENT... easily one of the most memorable musical evenings of recent years.”
– CHICAGO CLASSICAL REVIEW
“Apollo’s Fire can turn a summer evening into PURE GOLD” – SEEN & HEARD INTERNATIONAL
“A SUBLIME performance...Sorrell’s flair for the dramatic was apparent.” – CLEVELANDCLASSICAL.COM “It was a quickly paced DELIGHT” –
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photos by Malcolm Henoch
IN PARIS
Thursday
October 15, 7:30pm
First United Methodist AKRON
Friday
October 16, 7:30pm
St. Raphael Catholic Church
BAY VILLAGE
Saturday
October 17, 7:30pm
Kulas Hall
CLEVELAND Institute of Music
Sunday
October 18, 4:00pm
CLEVELAND Museum of Art
One of the most colorful geniuses in American history, Ben Franklin went to Paris in 1776 as ambassador from the fledging United States. Immersing himself in French culture with gusto, he attended concerts, theatre, and ballroom dances. Apollo’s Fire evokes his musical adventures in this festive program of orchestral works that were performed in Paris during his 9-year stay, including Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony and highlights from Rameau's Les Fêtes de l'Hymen.
Join the artists after the concert for treats and sparkling drinks. Open to all.
“Sorrell is a true Mozartian. Her Mozart achieves a near-perfect combination of real dramatic cogency and the ability to sing.”
–FANFARE RECORD MAGAZINE
by John Smith / Harry T. Peters "America on Stone" Lithography Collection/ National Museum of American History
Made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons rediscovered
As heard in cities across the U.S., Alan Choo and Jeannette Sorrell present Vivaldi’s beloved Four Seasons as revolutionary acts of musical storytelling – bringing Vivaldi’s pictorial descriptions to life. If you thought you knew the Four Seasons, be prepared for surprises! From the bird calls and storms to a barking dog, drunken peasants, an exhilarating fox hunt with “gunshots,” and more… the story that Vivaldi intended with these pieces is made clear as each concerto is preceded by a quick and polished “tour” of the sound effects to come.
“Apollo’s Fire’s joy and physical connection to the music was infectious.”
Friday
November 6, 7:30pm
The BATH Church (UCC)
Friday
November 13, 7:30pm
LAKEWOOD
United Methodist
Join the artists after the concert for treats and sparkling drinks. Open to all.
“Jeanine De Bique is one of the most exciting sopranos to catch onstage these days. Animated, joyful, and technically flawless.”
Jeanine De Bique, soprano
Legendary Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De Bique has taken Europe by storm in recent years. In this stunning new program designed by Jeannette Sorrell, De Bique joins the Apollo's Fire orchestra to explore the historical connections between Europe and the Caribbean colonies in the 18th century. Across the waters, tales of love, despair, and resilience emerge from the palaces of Europe and the plantations of the Caribbean. The virtuoso music of Handel, Purcell, Rameau and Vivaldi meets the soulful voices of Caribbean poets in this celebration of our shared humanity.
Catch this program before it heads out on an international tour to Carnegie Hall, London, Paris, Brussels, Lisbon, and more…!
Sailing Ship at Sea, c.1910
(oil on canvas) by Jensen, Alfred Serenius (1859-1935)
/ Warsaw, Poland
photo by Tim Tronckoe
Handel's MESSIAH
“The players take their namesake ‘fire’ to heart.” –NEW YORK TIMES
Maya Kherani, soprano
Rachel Wilson* & Amanda Crider† , mezzo-sopranos
Ed Lyon* & Jonathan Pierce Rhodes† , tenors
Edward Vogel*, bass & Kevin Deas† , bass-baritone with Apollo's Singers
On period instruments, Apollo’s Fire and Jeannette Sorrell take Handel’s masterpiece back to its roots as a dramatic and uplifting entertainment. The soloists become “visionary storytellers” in this acclaimed interpretation. You can also catch Jeannette and the singers performing Messiah with the New York Philharmonic in between the Cleveland performances.
Concert length: 2hr, 5min on Dec. 6 & 20. All others are 2hr, 15min.
Please note there will be no pre-concert talks for these performances.
Friday
December 4, 7:00pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church AKRON
Saturday
December 5, 7:00pm
First Baptist Church SHAKER HEIGHTS
Sunday
December 6, 3:30pm Federated Church CHAGRIN FALLS
Saturday December 19, 7:00pm Trinity Cathedral CLEVELAND
Sunday December 20, 4:00pm
St. Raphael Catholic Church BAY VILLAGE
*December 4-6 †December 19-20
Fame (oil on canvas) by Sementi, Giovanni Giacomo (1583-1636); Galleria Sabauda, Turin, Italy; Italian
Maya Kherani soprano
Amanda Crider mezzo-soprano
Jonathan Rhodes tenor
Kevin Deas bass-baritone
Fiddle Virtuosity from the Pubs of London
Friday
January 29, 7:30pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Saturday
January 30, 7:30pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Sunday
January 31, 4:00pm LAKEWOOD
United Methodist
Tuesday February 2, 7:30pm
First United Methodist CUYAHOGA FALLS
In 17th-century England, great composers loved to take inspiration from popular tavern songs and dance tunes. Virtuoso violinist Alan Choo and six friends invite you on a delightful romp through John Playford’s collections of fiddle variations, alongside music of Dowland, Eccles, and Purcell. A cozy winter program with lute, recorder, baroque & Celtic harp, and delightful soprano Andréa Walker.
Join the artists after the concert for treats and sparkling drinks. Open to all.
“There is no question that Choo was absolutely in charge… as both soloist and ensemble leader, living in the moment.”
Dramatic Presentation
Bach's ST. MATTHEW PASSION A
with Apollo's Singers & Apollo's Musettes (Youth Choir)
Apollo’s Fire and conductor Jeannette Sorrell are thrilled to return to Bach’s most legendary masterpiece on the 300th anniversary of its premiere in Leipzig (1727). In this dramatic presentation, the singers in the character roles (Jesus, Pilate, etc) interact with each other, singing from memory. The GRAMMY®-nominated chorus Apollo’s Singers is joined by children’s voices to create a sense of communal gathering in Sorrell’s interpretation. British tenor Ed Lyon, fresh from major successes at London’s Covent Garden, inhabits the role of the Evangelist as an animated storyteller.
Friday March 12, 7:00pm
St. Bernard Catholic Church AKRON
Saturday March 20, 7:00pm Mandel Hall
SEVERANCE MUSIC CENTER CLEVELAND
“Jeannette Sorrell led a revelatory performance... impassioned singing and playing bring Bach’s score to life with contemporary immediacy.”
Angels playin Viola da Gamba and Lute (stained glass) / Mother of God Catholic Church (Covington, Kentucky / Nheyob / Wikimedia Commons
Ed Lyon The Evangelist Nathaniel Sullivan Jesus Carine Tinney soprano
Aryssa Leigh Burrs mezzo-soprano
VIVALDI ON Fire
Thursday April 15, 7:30pm The BATH Church (UCC)
Friday April 16, 7:30pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Saturday April 17, 7:30pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Sunday April 18, 4:00pm
ROCKY RIVER
Presbyterian Church
Join the artists after the concert for treats and sparkling drinks. Open to all.
“[Francisco
Fullana is] a rising virtuoso of outstanding potential!” – THE VIOLIN CHANNEL
Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana and the AF band set sparks flying with virtuoso concertos, including the famous “Il Grosso Mogul” violin concerto and Vivaldi’s stormy Concerto for Two Cellos. Come and hear why Jeannette calls Vivaldi the “rock-n-roll” composer of the 18th century.
Portrait of Antonio Vivaldi (oil on canvas) / Anonymous c. 1723 / Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna
CATCH APOLLO'S FIRE ON TOUR!
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
November 10 - University of ILLINOIS
November 11 - Goshen College, INDIANA
November 15 - Carnegie Hall, NEW YORK
February 11 - College Station, TEXAS
Heidelberg, Germany
February 13 - Daytona Beach Symphony Society, FLORIDA
March 18 - Early Music COLUMBUS
JEANNETTE SORRELL & APOLLO'S SINGERS
with THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
Handel's MESSIAH
December 9-13
Lincoln Center, NEW YORK
IN EUROPE
November 18 - Bozar Centre, BRUSSELS
November 20 - La Seine Musicale, PARIS
November 22 - Tonhalle DÜSSELDORF
November 26 - Gulbenkian Grand Auditorium, LISBON
November 28 - Barbican Centre, LONDON
APOLLO'S FIRE CHICAGO SERIES
"Apollo’s Fire has secured an indispensable place in Chicago’s musical life.” –CHICAGO CLASSICAL REVIEW
November 7-8 | ECHOES Across the Atlantic
December 15-17 | Handel's MESSIAH
February 5-6 | FIDDLE VIRTUOSITY
March 14-15 | Bach's ST. MATTHEW PASSION
April 9-12 | PRIMAVERA Vivaldi Celebration
Lincoln CenterNewYork City
Royal Theatre Madrid
St. Martin-in-the-Fields London Music Insitute of Chicago
APOLLO’S FIRE WELCOMES ALL!
We believe that everyone deserves to share in the inspirational powers of classical music. We put this belief into action with our Community Access Initiative and Mosaic Project (details below). We hope you will join us for our 35th Anniversary Season in whatever way moves you - attend one of our casual Baroque Bistro concerts or subscribe to the entire season! Explore our customizable subscription options on the following pages. We cannot wait to celebrate 35 years of Apollo's Fire with you.
COMMUNITY ACCESS INITIATIVE
Share the Music. Share the Love.
AF's Community Access Initiative has served over 50,000 youth and adults in Northeast Ohio through discounted Presto Seats, FREE student tickets, and FREE Family Concerts. More info: apollosfire.org/community-access-initiative
We are proud to offer training, mentoring, and career development for talented young artists of color. These artists enrich our concerts and our understanding of the world we live in. Learn more at apollosfire.org/mosaic Harmony + Diversity = Hope
FUN & CASUAL RESTAURANT PERFORMANCES
“Never again think that ‘classical music’ is boring. Never if it’s done by Apollo’s Fire.” –COOLCLEVELAND.COM
Adventurous 70-minute concerts at the crossroads of folk and baroque! Visit apollosfire.org/bistro for details!
Managing Director
SUBSCRIPTIONS
CHOOSE YOUR PERFORMANCES
Please circle your preferred performances and write in the number of bring-a-friend tickets you would like to redeem. Subscribers receive one bring-a-friend ticket per subscription (*not applicable for the St. Matthew Passion performance at Severance). These tickets can also be redeemed later by calling the box office.
HOW TO ORDER
MAIL: 3091 Mayfield Road, Suite 217, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Return your form by June 15 for exclusive renewing subscriber priority seating or by July 31 for general subscriber priority seating.
PHONE: Call the AF Box Office at 216.320.0012 x 1
ONLINE: Subscribe online at apollosfire.org. Single tickets will be sold online and via phone beginning August 17.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
q Mail my tickets
q Email my tickets
q Hold my tickets at the door
Please consider covering transaction fees (3% of order total recommended)
Keep Apollo’s Fire burning with a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION (Thank you!)
q Personal Check enclosed (payable to Apollo’s Fire)
q VISA q Mastercard
APOLLO’S FIRE BEYOND THE STAGE
Take Apollo's Fire home with you! AF's 33 acclaimed CD recordings can be found on all major streaming services or shop at apollosfire.org/cds-shop. With over 24 million views (and counting!) on YouTube - visit our channel at apollosfirebaroque and subscribe to be notified about the latest recordings. Watch Apollo's Fire on Medici.tv and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
SINGLE TICKETS
will be available online and via phone beginning August 17. Ticket prices start at $25, and are subject to availability. Details on discounts and policies available below.
VENUES
Avon Lake United Church of Christ 32801 Electric Boulevard, 44012
The Bath Church, UCC 3980 West Bath Road, 44333
Cleveland Institute of Music Kulas Hall, 11021 East Boulevard, 44106
Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Boulevard, 44106
Federated Church (Chagrin Falls) 76 Bell Street, 44022
First Baptist Church (Shaker Heights) 3630 Fairmount Boulevard, 44118
First United Methodist Church (Akron) 263 East Mill Street, 44308
First United Methodist Church (Cuyahoga Falls) 245 Portage Trail, 44221
TICKETING POLICIES
Lakewood United Methodist Church 15700 Detroit Avenue, 44107
Rocky River Presbyterian Church 21750 Detroit Road, 44116
Severance Music Center Mandel Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue, 44106
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Akron) 44 University Avenue, 44308
St. Paul's Episcopal (Akron) 1361 West Market Street, 44313
St. Paul's Episcopal (Cleveland Heights) 2747 Fairmount Boulevard, 44106
St. Raphael Catholic Church (Bay Village) 525 Dover Center Road, 44140
SEATING DETAILS | Ticket orders are processed in the order they are received. Subscription orders placed by July 31 will receive priority seating. Listed prices include taxes and processing fees.
DISCOUNTS | Discounted tickets are available for Seniors (65+) and Young Adults (40 and under) in sections A and B. Tickets for full-time students are $12, available in sections B and C.
STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | FREE at the door for full-time students with a valid student ID.
PRESTO SEATS | $12 Presto Tickets go on sale 3 weeks before each subscription concert. Seats are guaranteed, but assigned by the box office. There is a limit of 50 Presto tickets per program.
GROUP DISCOUNTS | Please call the box office to learn more group rates. Groups of 10-14 receive a 10% discount; groups of 15-19 receive a 15% discount; groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount.
EXCHANGES | Tickets (other than Presto Seats) can be exchanged for other performances in the 2026-2027 season. There is a $2 exchange fee per ticket – subscribers have free exchange privileges. All exchanges must be made at least 48 hours before the performance.
TICKET DONATIONS | Can't attend? You can donate your ticket(s) back to Apollo's Fire by calling the box office at least 48 hours before the concert date. All programs, artists, dates, and venues are subject to change.
