Hailed as “a ravishing musical landscape… a sensory feast” (ClevelandClassical.com), this evocative program created by Jeannette Sorrell rings with urgency in our time. An ensemble of 26 artists from Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds come together in this loving tribute to the peoples whose music and faith brought such vibrancy to the Middle East.

In this musical tour of the four quarters of Old Jerusalem (Jewish, Christian, Arab, and Armenian/Byzantine), surprising cross-influences emerge. A Sabbath prayer leads to a Sephardic ballad of a lover betrayed; selections from Monteverdi’s great Vespers of 1610 echo the exotic and rapturous singing of the Jewish cantors in the temples; a classical Arabic love song leads poignantly into the wild Longa Farahfaza – an instrumental romp. The rhythms of daily life – love, singing, dancing and prayer – culminate in a joyous celebration of shared humanity.

This program heads to New York City and London following the Chicago performances.

“On period instruments, a voyage of faith for the 21st century… Apollo’s Fire continues to challenge and enchant. The entire evening was delivered with urgency, polish, and flair. To hear an ensemble at the peak of their powers, making vital statements about the world, is a privilege.”
– SEEN & HEARD INTERNATIONAL, 2018