Each issue of FIREworks! features a profile of members of our generous Chicago community. We are grateful for your support – thank you!
“Smitten” – how Jim and Rita Sheinin fell in love with Apollo’s Fire
Jim and Rita Sheinin are beloved members of our Apollo’s Fire Chicago family. As founding supporters of AF in Chicago, they have been instrumental in making the first three years a resounding success – both by providing generous financial support and “spreading the fire” in the community. They have hosted several house concerts and introduced many friends and acquaintances to Apollo’s Fire.
Jim is a retired endocrinologist, a lifelong music lover, and a founding member of AF’s Chicago Board of Directors. He previously served on the Junior Governing Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Board of the Chicago Chamber Musicians, and he has been a Governing Member of the CSO for the last 11 years. He has co-coordinated music study groups at the Northwestern Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, including such subjects as Chamber Music Masterpieces for Larger Ensembles, Jewish Composers for the Last 100 Years, What Makes Mozart Great?, Stephen Sondheim, Gustav Mahler and Cole Porter.
Jim and Rita have attended hundreds of concerts, including some of the finest orchestras of Europe. They have been subscribers to the Chicago Symphony for over 50 years and have attended numerous chamber concerts, recitals, operas and ballets as well.
Rita has also been involved with the CSO, serving on the Women’s Board and as a docent. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has brought programs to the senior residence where she and Jim live, using music to provide cognitive stimulation, particularly for those with memory loss.
We asked Jim and Rita to tell us what they love about Apollo’s Fire and why.
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How did you come across Apollo’s Fire and what caught your attention?
Jim: “I made presentations in study groups on Renaissance and Baroque Spain and Italy. Through that, I first encountered Apollo’s Fire on YouTube and CDs. When I heard that they were going to be giving a program at Northwestern in March 2020 (this was O Jerusalem!), I attended. And I was smitten.”
What is distinctive and special about Apollo’s Fire?
Rita: “It all starts with Jeannette… She is the heartbeat and creative center of AF. She creates programs reflecting the Baroque and other periods in their cultural/historical context in addition to known classics. AF plays with enthusiasm and, yes, passion.”
Jim: “AF has garnered national and international acclaim, not only as performers of major works from the Baroque and Classical repertoire, but also as creators and performers of unique multicultural programs. Their musicianship is remarkable and their exuberance is infectious. They are a joy to watch as well as to hear.”
What do you think Apollo’s Fire can add to the already thriving Chicago area music scene?
Rita: “They offer a new and fresh take on old but wonderful music, especially in crossover programs.”
Jim: “There is simply nothing like AF in the Chicago area. We look forward to AF further expanding its Chicago area presence.”
Rita: “GO! See and hear for yourself!”