Though stolen from their homeland and scattered across the world, both the Jewish and African peoples found strength and inspiration in music – their means to preserve their cultural identity and their soul as a people. Apollo’s Fire and Jeannette Sorrell are known for their creative explorations of ancient world cultures, “brimming with energy and imagination” (BBC Music Magazine). Honoring the remarkable resilience of exiled and oppressed peoples during a period of 250 years (1600-1850), the program interweaves music by Jewish baroque composer Salamone Rossi and Jewish-inspired composer Claudio Monteverdi along with the rhythms of life in the ghetto: songs, dances, and prayers from the Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and North African traditions. A company of 20 musicians – including Jewish, Palestinian, and African-American artists – raise their voices in longing and celebration.

Apollo’s Fire – The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra
Jeannette Sorrell Artistic Director