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Spring Fever - Mozart & Haydn on Fire!
SPRING FEVER - Mozart & Haydn on Fire!Spring is a time of restlessness, excitement, beauty, and transformation. We meet the world with wide eyes, hopefulness, and expectation. What better celebration of this rebirth than the grandeur and spirit of symphonic sound, and what composers more appropriate than those who founded the Symphony as we know it: Mozart and Haydn!
Indeed, the arrival of spring also coincides with the first ever performance of Haydn’s music by Apollo’s Fire, in his “Fire” Symphony No. 59. Jeannette Sorrell and Apollo’s Fire musicians are exploring Haydn with a brimming sense of discovery. This highly charged work sprang from the Sturm und Drang (“Storm and Stress”) movement, an aesthetic whose influence spread through drama, music, and theatre at that time. The dramatic nature of this symphony is such that Haydn drew from it when writing incidental music for a drama by Gustav Friedrich Wilhelm Grossman (1746-1796) titled Die Feuerbrunst (“Fire-Passion”), prepared for the theatre-hungry Prince of Esterhazy.
“Storm and stress” of an internal, emotional character also appear with the longings and restlessness of springtime. Soprano Amanda Forsythe, who stole hearts with her exquisite Messiah performances here last year, performs Mozart arias both haunting and virtuosic. Solitudini amiche . . . Zeffiretti lusinghieri, from Idomeneo, Re di Creta, K. 366, and In un istante . . . Parto, m’affretto from Lucio Silla, K. 135, express both the sweetness and torment of love. Glimpses into the universal human dilemmas of love and loss, triumph and suffering, the arias are drawn from Mozart’s operas depicting these emotions through age-old stories and mythological figures.
The stirrings of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor reflect a deeper unease, drawing from the anxious emotional intensity that reigned during the last three years of his life. Grief, failing health, and financial troubles plagued him, yet he was able to produce a masterwork of invention, energy, and passion. Although weighted with tragedy, the symphony uplifts in its transcendent and fiery finale - living again with each performance as “one of the most beautiful manifestations of the human spirit” (F.J. Fetis, 1828).
Thursday, April 10, 7:30pm – First United Methodist Akron
Friday, April 11, 8:00pm – St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights*
Saturday, April 12, 8:00pm – St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights*
Sunday, April 13, 4:00pm – Rocky River Presbyterian*
*pre-concert talk by Richard Rodda 1 hour before the performance,
sponsored by the Friends of Apollo's Fire
For more information visit our website or call 216.320.0012/800.314.2535
ONLINE TICKETING NOW AVAILABLE!
Reviews of Apollo’s Fire’s CD of Mozart symphonies, released in 2004:
"I am in little doubt that Sorrell is an outstanding Mozartian . . . Her Mozart achieves a near-perfect combination of real dramatic cogency and the ability to sing. . . . The dark, dramatic fervor of Sorrell’s performance [of the Don Giovanni Overture] receives really first-rate playing by Apollo’s Fire."
"With each passing year, Apollo’s Fire becomes more adventurous. Sorrell is a conductor who takes a fresh look at the messages in whatever score she is leading. She captures the grandeur and intimacy in the masterpieces, finding new ways to phrase and clarify. Intriguing nuances, a crystalline sense of texture and balance . . . "
Review of Apollo’s Fire’s last performance of Symphony no. 40, in 2003:
"This Mozart verged on the revelatory, especially Sorrell’s account of the Symphony no. 40. Each movement had a sense of inner life and drama, and every instrumental line could be heard. The sense of discovery Sorrell and the players brought to the performance . . . was so exciting, it generated a standing ovation."
This past summer, she made her European debut, singing at the international Rossini Festival in Pesaro, Italy. According to The Stage (UK), “It was perfection.” Following this success, she was immediately invited to sing at the Grand Theatre de Geneve in Switzerland, performing the role of Dalinda in Handel’s opera Ariodante. There she was proclaimed as “the discovery of the evening” (Financial Times). She reprised this role a few months ago at Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, stepping into the acclaimed production there on one day’s notice.
In the States, she performed in the past year with the Boston Early Music Festival and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Just a few years ago, Amanda created the role of Young Margarita in the world premiere production of Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ainadamar” at the Tanglewood Festival. Performing alongside the acclaimed Dawn Upshaw, Amanda was praised for her “raw passion” (The LA Times), “sparkling clarity” (The Financial Times) and “crystalline, finely expressive voice” (The New Yorker).
"Amanda Forsythe's shining soprano graced or flew across every phrase."
When the fan letters came pouring in to the Apollo’s Fire office following last year’s Messiah performances, it was clear the Amanda Forsythe would have to come back. Since then, the young soprano’s star has been rising very fast in Europe.
Baroque Orchestra Enters 21st Century
For those of you who have eagerly awaited the day when you can purchase Apollo’s Fire tickets at midnight, your wait is now over! We are thrilled to announce that our internet ticketing system is up and running just in time for Mozart & Haydn on Fire (April 10-13 – details ABOVE)
Each upcoming concert will have a link on our website (www.apollosfire.org) to purchase tickets online. If you choose to purchase tickets through this link, we will either send them to you by mail or we will hold them for you in will-call (for tickets purchased less than a week before the concert). Even if you choose not to purchase tickets through the website, you are welcome to view the venue maps, which show basic layout as well as seating availability (just click on a section to see which seats are available for purchase, as well as pricing information for that section).
Tickets for April 10 in Akron will be available for online purchase until 1:00 day-of-show, tickets for Friday night in Cleveland Heights will be available until 2:00 day-of-show, and tickets for Saturday AND Sunday concerts will be available until 2:00 on Saturday.
If you have any questions about our new internet ticketing system, please call us at (216) 320-0012 or (800) 314-2535, extension 1.
SOIRÉE À VERSAILLES
His Majesty Louis XIV cordially invites you to an evening of music, entertainment, and feasting in the 17th-century manner. The Sun King puts his royal musicians at your disposal, performing lively and haunting works by the great French composers St. Colombe and Marin Marias (made famous in the film Tous les matins de monde). The King's royal playwright, Molière, unveils some of his most hilarious scenes from his latest comedy. Following the royal feast, our noble patrons may participate in dancing the Menuet, or try their hand at a musical game.
La soirée la plus élégante de l'année 2008!
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th
OAKWOOD CLUB
1516 Warrensville Center Road
Cleveland Heights
For more information or to receive an invitation,
contact the Friends of Apollo's Fire at 216.295.3911
Up, up, and away . . .
We looked a motley crew at 6:45 am at the airport. General anticipation incited sleepy grins. But we are in good hands: upon arrival in Jacksonville, our violist/Personnel Manager Kristen Linfante proved herself Tour Mom. The bus driver, incorrigibly late, got a “talking to” – he now stutters!
Arrival in Gainesville – it’s spring here! We are gradually thawing out in the rejuvenating sunshine. I even thought I spied Cynthia Roberts skipping happily to the grocery store – on her broken foot!
Dinner at a barbeque: our food took so long that Kristen marched into the kitchen. What would a group of ravenous musicians do without a Mom?
Breaking the ice
A successful first tour concert! A very warm audience made up for the drier-than-usual acoustic. Lots of eye-contact and performance adrenaline gave the recits a run for their money.
I’ve found my new calling, by the way: scampering on and off stage to go listen for balance during rehearsals. I enjoy it so much that sometimes I forget to come back and play. If done well, the job is like running laps.
Post-concert glow. Ivy Chen, former AF orchestra manager turned Gainesville resident, has taken some happy hostages to explore the university town. But since I’m told that the hotel party’s in my room tonight, I guess I’d better straighten up.
On Fire!
Conquering Miami! Our bus ride yesterday featured a still-stuttering bus driver, and magnetic Scrabble. Pitted against fierce experts, I now see just how competitive Scrabble can be. Leave it to musicians . . .
We obligingly squeezed in a trip to the beach this morning! Whether it was the sunburned cheeks or the ocean air, tonight’s performance was our BEST yet! La Folia abounded with grins and antics. The clear but resonant acoustic of the lovely venue inspired further smiles.
And it seems that Daniel Shoskes and Sam Harris, faithful board members, have tracked us down. Celebration is in order – mojitos anyone? (We have a very patient, unfortunately still stuttering, bus driver . . . ).
March 4th
Flying Rodeo style . . .
Rollercoaster flight to Greensboro today --- I’m convinced the pilot did it on purpose. He made matters worse by telling us to “hang on" . . . Winston-Salem, here we come!
March 5th
Full house, full throttle!
Another large hall, but who thought a “small” orchestra could make so much sound! As I vaulted back and forth from my seat to the hall to listen in rehearsal (I’ve become quite possessive of this role), I was pleased with what I heard and couldn’t wait to perform. Despite a week on the road, our energy was up once again --- and the audience responded wonderfully. (And Rene’s famous joke, slapping an imaginary mosquito during the Summer concerto demonstration, STILL gets us laughing every time).
March 18th
In-flight entertainment . . . ?
Re-united in Kansas City! I greeted a smiling Jennifer Roig-Francoli: “How was your flight?”. “Well . . . I played for the passengers on my plane!” Seriously? True. Pleading friendly neighbors convinced her to pull out her violin and play at high altitude. (Here one might add, “I’m sure it was a moving and turbulent performance . . . ” – but only my father makes puns that bad.)
Vivaldi would be proud
Our last concert. Sigh. We truly went out with a bang! It’s been so rewarding to perform many of the same works under so many different circumstances – they take on new layers of life, change, settle, change again. In the end, spontaneity still abounds, perhaps all the more so when the pieces are old friends.
Speaking of friends, tonight’s traditional Hotel-Party sought to break the record number of AF members ever in one hotel room! The highlight: lutenist Billy Simms in his much-anticipated demonstration of serious talent . . . An air-guitar rendition of the Summer concerto, worthy of a rock-star!!
March 20th
‘Till we dance again . . .
We parted in Kansas City today. Reports have already been coming in from happy presenters and reviewers. Miraculously, we aren’t totally sick of one another! Staving off post-tour- let-down (that’s the clinical term), violinists Joan Plana and Julie Andrijeski were spotted dancing baroque steps at the airport. (The video will be released at a later date!)
Artistic Operations Manager
The Artistic Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth operation of all Apollo’s Fire performance programs, both locally and on tour. He/she focuses on two areas:
(a) Artistic Administration – booking and contracting musicians and guest artists under the direction of the Music Director; negotiating guest artist fees; preparing concert budgets for each program and musicians’ payroll after each project; analyzing potential touring expenses and preparing fee quotes for presenters based on the repertoire and personnel of each program; supplying program information, bios, and personnel lists to the AF graphic designer and to touring presenters; coordinating radio recording for local, national and international broadcasts; and assisting with contract negotiations in collaboration with the Musicians’ Representative and the Music Director.
(b) Artistic Operations - arranging travel, accommodations and ground transportation for musicians and guest artists (this includes many regular members of the ensemble who do not live in Cleveland); preparing and distributing per diem allowances; coordinating production logistics with each venue (locally and on tour); attending a portion of each rehearsal and making brief logistical announcements; arranging all tour logistics (travel, hotels, etc.), and preparing the tour itinerary booklet for musicians. In some cases the AOM may be asked to travel with the musicians on tour.
Click here for more details [pdf]
Production Associate
The Production Associate assists the Production Stage Manager in multiple facets of touring and producing Apollo's Fire's seven local productions per season. This includes riser and stage set-up, transporting heavy keyboard instruments (harpsichord and chamber organ, not piano), attending rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions, and set up for pre-concert lectures. Over the course of a season the Production Associate will gain experience working with stage lighting, sound equipment, and costuming.
The Production Associate may be invited to take on additional responsibilities after gaining experience. Presently this is a part-time position, with opportunity for expansion of the position and/or advancement within the organization within the next 1-2 years.