From the President

Greetings and welcome to VIRTUOSITY: Fireworks by J.S. Bach! In this thrilling finale to our season-long Pilgrimage of Hope, we welcome back the extraordinary soprano Amanda Forsythe, as well as featuring virtuoso solos by our own Artistic Leadership Fellow Alan Choo and trumpeter Steven Marquardt.

We are thrilled to announce special outdoor performances as Apollo’s Fire returns to the lovely pavilion at Laurel School’s Butler campus for Music Among the Trees. The new 1-hr program from Jeannette Sorrell is titled “Lift Every Voice” and brings together 5 compelling soloists as well as AF’s youth choir, the Musettes, in a joyful celebration of brotherhood and sisterhood. See page 42.

Also announcing our new Summer Concerts: Bach to the Country! AF takes to the outdoors in July with music of Bach, Vivaldi, and Telemann, who liked to let their hair down in the summertime with rustic-inspired music from the countryside. See page 71.

Save the Dates – not one but two Galas this summer! Our annual Gala, Sunday in the Park with Johann – presented by Horizons, Inc., will be celebrated this summer as AF takes to the outdoors amid the lush setting of scenic Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, OH. Don’t miss spending your Sunday with Johann under the stars, scheduled for Sunday, July 25th. We also celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Akron subscription series with The Silver Soirée – presented by Summa Health & The Deveny Family on Thursday, July 29th where we will toast the longstanding love affair between Apollo’s Fire and our wonderful Akron audiences. Please join us in the exquisite outdoor pavilion at Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, OH. Both events include cocktails, silent auction, dinner, and the music of Bach and friends!

Our Galas are fun and festive opportunities to enjoy the company of friends and support our beloved baroque orchestra. Both events will be enjoyed outdoors, and are being planned with your safety in mind. Apollo’s Fire will implement Ohio’s safety guidelines, and may include social distancing, facial masks, and capacity limits.

We are thrilled that Apollo’s Fire has been reinvited to four of the nation’s most prestigious music festivals this summer – Tanglewood (Lenox, MA), Chautauqua (NY), Ravinia, (Chicago), and Caramoor (Katonah, NY). Please plan to join us at one of these beautiful places! See page 14.

How has Apollo’s Fire encouraged and inspired you through this challenging year? YOU have made this inspiration possible through your support, and we are continually grateful. Thank you and enjoy the concert!

Charles A. Bittenbender, President