The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Apollo’s Fire releases online series of concerts and more
Popular area classical music group launches online series
A familiar soundtrack for uncertain times is what Northeast Ohio-based, worldrenowned Apollo’s Fire is offering classical music lovers during the stay-at-home spring.
Just as Boccaccio’s delightful “Decameron” was penned during a 14th century plague and Handel composed his masterpiece “Messiah” during a personal financial crisis, Apollo’s Fire — which features dozens of freelance professional musicians — is making the best of these uncharted times by recently launching “Music for the Soul.”
The online series features Apollo’s Fire concerts, videos and interviews that Apollo’s Fire Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell said due to the group’s recent success have been on a long to-do list for years.
“We were so busy, it had really been bugging me that we didn’t have time to edit these videos,” said Sorrell, a 1990 Oberlin Conservatory graduate, who calls Cleveland Heights home. “The moment the shutdown order came we realized we were going to have to cancel our concerts. I immediately said, ‘OK, now we’re going to edit videos.’ The response so far has been wonderful.”
Kicking off last month, “Music for the Soul” finds the baroque orchestra performing a wide array of pieces appealing both to discriminating classical music fans as well as casual listeners.
The quality of the professionalquality video mirrors Apollo’s Fire impeccable live performance reputation.
“We’re excited to get these videos out into the world because they will actually help our touring and ticket sales next year when people are ready to start doing those things again,” said Sorrell, an award-winning harpsichordist and conductor.
When Apollo’s Fire isn’t playing sold-out concerts at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Theatre of Madrid and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Grammy Award-winning orchestra can be found touring Northeast Ohio neighborhoods.
However, COVID-19 has obviously grounded all operations with Sorrell noting Apollo’s Fire this spring is expected to take a $220,000 hit due to lost income from touring, fees and local ticket sales.
“We’re making the most out of resources we have,” Sorrell said.
“Putting out this video series we also at the same time asked people to consider making donations. Also, while we’re offering refunds, we ask people to consider donating their tickets for cancelled concerts.
“We found about 75 percent of our patrons have chosen to donate their tickets back, which is really nice and apparently — I was told — somewhat unusual. I guess other orchestras are not having such a high rate of donated tickets.”
Therein lies the special bond that for nearly 30 years has existed between Apollo’s Fire and its loyal following, which Sorrell said are particularly devoted to live music. More so, audiences love experiencing the personal and emotional connection Apollo’s Fire provides.
“You can say we’re kind of a niche group, and there’s certainly some truth in that, but we also have nearly 4 million views of our YouTube videos,” Sorrell said. “We actually do have quite a larger fan base around the world.
“Apollo’s Fire breaks down barriers between the audience and the stage, as well as breaking down what I consider artificial barriers between classical music and popular music. All of those things have really helped us to bring new audiences to Apollo’s Fire and even to bring new audiences to classical music.”