“Jeannette Sorrell proves that scholarship and fun aren’t mutually exclusive.”
–THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
For over 20 years, Apollo’s Fire has introduced children to the joys of baroque, classical, and traditional folk music of distant lands – through our free Family Concerts and free in-school workshops. We are now thrilled to bring some of this programming to Chicago.
Bring your kids and grandkids to FIDDLE FIESTA! – Music from Spain and Beyond. Concertmaster Alan Choo, harpist-soprano Anna O’Connell, and cellist René Schiffer join with two of our Chicago-based musicians: Young Artist Fellow Hanna Bingham (violin) and percussionist Brandon Bott. These delightful Family Concerts are interactive programs for “ages 6 to 96.”
FIDDLE FIESTA performances:
Saturday, October 5, 2:00pm – Logan Center for the Arts, Univ. of Chicago, HYDE PARK
Sunday, October 6, 1:00pm – CHICAGO Children’s Museum on Navy Pier
WARNING: Audience members might learn to sing a fugue theme, dance the Menuet, or play a ground bass at the harpsichord! AF Family Concerts spark learners of all ages with an abundance of impromptu quizzes and prizes, along with opportunities to talk with the musicians and try playing the instruments. For over 20 years, Apollo’s Fire has performed popular Family Concerts in family-friendly venues, including local museums and libraries. AF’s famous “Instrument Petting Zoo” ends each program when the audience swarms the stage to try the instruments. Delightfully noisy!
School Workshops
On October 4, 7 and 8, Apollo’s Fire brings its delightful SCHOOL WORKSHOPS to eight public schools in Greater Chicago and the south-side suburb of Matteson. Last year in Ohio, Apollo’s Fire musicians touched the lives of over 3,000 students.
“It was wonderful for the students to see music from other cultures. Our current unit focuses on immigration and traditions from other cultures, so the tie-in to our instruction right now is perfect!”
– Teacher, Bath Elementary, Ohio
We also did our first Chicago workshop last March, at St. Procopius Dual Language School.
“Today was a musical journey like no other… It was an absolute honor to host such a prestigious ensemble. Thank you, Apollo’s Fire, for sharing your talent and passion with us.”
– Teacher, St Procopius School, Chicago
We’ve been constantly inspired by meeting so many enthusiastic young musicians and music-lovers. We can’t wait to see lots of young Chicagoans in October!
Family Concerts & School Workshops 2023-2024
