HOLY WEEK SPECIAL!

APOLLO’S FIRE - Monteverdi Vespers of 1610

Taking its name from the classical god of music and the sun, Apollo's Fire is dedicated to the performance of 17th- and 18th-century music on the period instruments for which it was written. Music Director Jeannette Sorrell gathers a select pool of dynamic and creative early-music artists from throughout North America and Europe.  The ensemble has been praised internationally for stylistic freshness and buoyancy, animated spontaneity, technical excellence, and for the creativity of Sorrell's programming.

During October 2010, Jeannette Sorrell and the members of Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s Baroque Orchestra, spent 19 happy and inspired days celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610.  The ensemble’s 11-concert, 5-state tour garnered high praise from music critics.

“Sorrell and her group have terrific energy. The flawless blend and beautiful tone were remarkable.”  
–St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

“Apollo's Fire's fervent and dramatic performance of Monteverdi's 400-year old masterpiece awoke our senses as a 
great Italian meal might do, laden with pleasure and contrast, sensuality and surprise.” 
–clevelandclassical.com 

“Spellbinding... There were moments when Sorrell and her musicians seemed almost to disappear into the music, 
leaving Monteverdi to console, stir and elevate.”  
–Cleveland Plain Dealer

This magnificent reading of Monteverdi’s Vespers is available free of charge to all stations. It is 
very appropriate for broadcast during Holy Week, though it may be broadcast any time between April 1, 2011 and April 17, 2012.    

Total Running Time:  1:58:00.   

Host: Robert Conrad