Season: 2016-2017

Champagne Brunch & Panel Discussion with Jeannette Sorrell and AF principal players.

Learn to do the Quadrille and the Polka – like contra dancing, but better! Live music by an AF quartet.

The beloved “Trout” Quintet and selections from Die Winterreise

Beethoven’s epic sense of struggle emerges with fresh intensity as Jeannette Sorrell leads his revolutionary Egmont Overture and Fifth Symphony. Internationally renowned violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley (the young American concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic) makes his period-instrument debut, bringing lyrical transcendence to Beethoven’s beloved Violin Concerto.

J.S. Bach was famous for saying that the purpose of all music is “the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.” Guest conductor Joseph Gascho, a prize-winning harpsichordist and rising star of the American baroque scene, leads Apollo’s Fire and Apollo’s Singers in this spiritual journey.

Jeannette Sorrell’s beloved program follows the journeys of the Irish immigrants who built new lives in the hills of Appalachia – bringing their music with them. One local performance only before the troupe heads out on tour, including the National Gallery in Washington!

AF players take turns in the spotlight for this evening of overflowing virtuosity. From J.S. Bach’s sunny Orchestral Suite No. 1 to the darkly brooding Oboe Concerto in G minor, to the sparkling and beloved Brandenburg Concertos No. 3 and 4… No one plays Bach like Apollo’s Fire!

Venice – where East meets West. Arab traders mingled with German tourists, Jewish merchants, and Italian priests – including one named Antonio Vivaldi. Our fiesta includes Sephardic romances; dances by Jewish composer Salamone Rossi; Arab improvisations; orchestral fireworks by Vivaldi – the evocative “LaNotte” flute concerto and “Autumn” from The Four Seasons; and timeless love duets by Monteverdi, reminding us that Love knows no ethnic boundaries.

Now an acclaimed CD, Jeannette Sorrell’s interpretation of Handel’s Messiah has inspired audiences across the country on many national radio broadcasts. Taking their cue from Handel’s original conception of the piece as theatrical entertainment, Sorrell and her actor-singers take the listeners on a spiritual and emotional journey. The program heads to New York City following local performances.

The great Henry Purcell wrote his most majestic music for royal events at Westminster Abbey – from joyous birthday celebrations for the Queen to the heartbreakingly beautiful lamentations at her funeral. Vocal soloists, strings, lutes, recorders, trumpets, percussion, organ, and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers join in this sumptuous program.