Premiered in spring 2024 in 5 sold-out concerts
TWO VERSIONS OF THE PROGRAM
“Exhilarating… a fascinating exploration by a brilliant ensemble”
– John von Rhein, Chicago Classical Review
On their way to an international festival in the Caribbean, Apollo’s Fire charms Northeast Ohio with this fresh new version of last year’s acclaimed program. World-class Puerto Rican soprano Sophia Burgos and baritone David Guzmán join 13 international artists on a vibrant musical journey from 16th-century Spain to baroque Latin America. The music of Spanish baroque composers blends with Mexican and Peruvian traditions and Sephardic ballads from the Jewish communities of Spain and Argentina. Poetry evokes the resilience of the Hispanic soul.
Join the musicians for a Prosecco toast as they depart to perform ¡HISPANIA! at the Casals International Festival in Puerto Rico!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no pre-concert talks for these concerts.
“Accomplished and exuberant... a theatrical thrill ride.”
– ClevelandClassical.com
The ancient, red-hot tradition of flamenco meets the lively dance rhythms of tangos and fandangos. In this new, all-instrumental version of ¡HISPANIA!, director Jeannette Sorrell highlights the influence of Arab-infused flamenco dance music on Spanish baroque composers – including Diego Ortiz, Gaspar Sanz, and Santiago de Murcia.
Mexican-American guitarist Jeremías García, a virtuoso expert in the flamenco tradition, takes the spotlight along with 10 musicians on strings, harp, and percussion. Throughout this sizzling evening, lively explosions of virtuosity abound.... a “Tarantella Duel” featuring Alan Choo and Emi Tanabe; a “Fandango Duel” featuring guitarists Jeremías García and William Simms; and René Schiffer’s delightful “Tango Concerto for Two Violas da Gamba” featuring René Schiffer and Rebecca Landell. NOT TO BE MISSED!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no pre-concert talks for these concerts.
Generously sponsored by MICHAEL & SUSAN DELAHANTY