Apollo's Fire - The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra

Apollo's Fire On Tour with Philippe Jaroussky!

2011-11-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Apollo's Fire in the lobby of the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) in Madrid.

Apollo's Fire Tour with Philippe Jaroussky!

2011-11-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Apollo's Fire with Philippe Jaroussky - Rave Reviews!

"A thrilling program. An enthusiastic audience called the singer and the ensemble back for three encores, each exquisitely rendered."

- Read the full review in the L.A. Times

The Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra and Philippe Jaroussky in a UCLA Live Concert at Royce Hall
Don Heckman

"A... remarkable evening of music took place at Royce Hall last Friday. And all the more so because so much of it is rarely heard on concert stages, and even more rarely with the authenticity and bravura of the Apollo’s Fire baroque orchestra and the voice of sopranist/countertenor Philippe Jaroussky. In the soaring voice and the gripping theatricality of Jaroussky’s performances, in the dynamic orchestral support of Apollo’s Fire, one could experience a surprisingly convincing aura of what presentations of works such as Oreste,Imeneo and Giustino must have been like, heard live. Superbly accompanying Jaroussky, Apollo's Fire also added equally gripping musical moments of their own. Done brilliantly and memorably."

- Read the full review at International Review of Music:

O Give Me a Muse of Apollo's Fire!

THE ARTS FUSE: The Culture of New England

"There are concerts that stick in one’s memory forever. Apollo’s Fire’s joint concert with the spectacular countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, entitled Handel and Vivaldi Fireworks, will be exactly that... The audience went wild after each piece Philippe Jaroussky sang. We knew this was an Apollo’s Fire concert to remember.... I believe it might be the beginning of, as they say, a beautiful friendship. " Read the full review here.

Unerring Style from Jaroussky, Apollo's Fire

THE MUSICAL INTELLIGENCER - Robert Levin, editor

"Dazzling flights of melody, which Jaroussky executed at breakneck speed with flawless accuracy and breath control. Jaroussky combines superior musicianship and an unerring sense of style with a superb vocal instrument, a winning combination. Jeannette Sorrell led the mostly young, mostly female and — in every sense of the word — stylish group of string players from the harpsichord." Read the full review here.

Apollo's Fire International Tour with Philippe Jaroussky.

2011-11-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

Sold out at the Royal Theatre in Madrid!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

EL PAÌS (The Major national newspaper of Spain)

A Fine Champagne

"It was immediately obvious that the evening would be a party, with fireworks in style. And indeed it was.... A standing ovation, as rarely happens at the Royal Theatre. The shadow of the American interpreter Louis Armstrong was evoked in spirit to perfection by his countrymen from Cleveland [Apollo's Fire Baroque Orchestra], thanks to some dazzling variations on the trio sonata La Follia by Vivaldi. These musicians rejuvenated the baroque for us with the spirit of jazz, and the joy of playing together.... Director/harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell was the picture of high accuracy, sensitivity and feminine manners - something rare in this profession. The show was flawless, with a packed Royal Theatre, which shows the attractiveness of baroque music if done this way. An evening of creating fans."

- J.A. Vela del Campo

Apollo's Fire, Philippe Jaroussky enchant at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor

2011-11-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Jason Hudson

"When a singer arrives to present an evening of arias, the accompanying orchestral ensemble can sometimes function as a sort of relief pitcher, playing on its own while the singer takes a break off stage. But Apollo’s Fire, arriving in town to accompany the French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky at Hill Auditorium last night, proved every bit as alluring as the singer himself. In fact, it could be argued that one of those instrumental selections, Vivaldi’s “La Follia,” was an evening high point. With Sorrell leading from the harpsichord, the ensemble played these variations, based on a “Renaissance pop tune,” with brio and style and more than a hint of the madness the title implies. It was delicious." AnnArbor.com

Read the full review at: here.

Apollo's Fire Rehearsal Photo from France!

2011-11-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

BORDEAUX, FRANCE: The principal players rehearse in the wine cellar of the hotel!

Left to right: Olivier Brault, Johanna Novom, Andrew Fouts, Mimé Brinkmann, René Schiffer, and Simon Martyn-Ellis (a European lutenist joining the tour)

Pictures from Toronto!

2011-11-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Jeannette Sorrell leads Apollo's Fire while Philippe Jaroussky sings. (Photo Credit: Jason Hudson)

(Photo Credit: Jason Hudson)

Jaroussky Dazzles in Arias Raised From Opera's Splendid Shipwrecks

2011-11-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Globe & Mail, Toronto,
Robert Everett-Green

"One of the most interesting and rewarding recitals of the season."

"Apollo's Fire's flair for drama was perhaps best displayed in a grand rumpus performance of Sorrell's arrangement of La Folia,. This party piece, played from memory, featured malny steep and rapid changes in tone, texture and rhythmic character." Read the full review here.

"Philippe Jaroussky & Apollo's Fire Light up the Sky for Duke Performances! "

2011-11-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

CVNC - "Philippe Jaroussky & Apollo's Fire Light up the Sky for Duke Performances"

REVIEW: John W. Lambert of Classical Voice of North Caroline writes "The singing was from start to finish extraordinary - no other single word will suffice. Those who could get over a woman's voice coming from the body of an exceptionally handsome young man - and the packed auditorium seemed to contain few who could not! - were rewarded with some of the very best countertenor singing yet heard.
And the fact that Apollo's Fire was the backup band was just so much icing on the musical cake. In truth, the chamber orchestra - 14 artists, including its harpsichordist/director - would have been one of the season's top attractions, even without the vocalist, so exceptionally fine is its ensemble and finesse. Here's a HIP group that plays incisively, with wide-ranging dynamics, with a remarkable variety of tone color and nuance, and always in tune."

Next stop Toronto!
Read the whole review here.

Duke University Writes About Apollo's Fire and Jaroussky!

2011-10-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

"Easily the most highly regarded baroque orchestra in the United States"

"The brilliant conductor and harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell founded Apollo’s Fire in 1992, and the ensemble is now easily the most highly regarded baroque orchestra in the United States. Jaroussky has achieved the unlikely feat of parlaying a mastery of early music singing into something like pop stardom..." Read the entire article, including an interview with Jeannette Sorrell here.

AF Tour with Philippe Jaroussky @ Duke University!

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Opening Night is a Triumph!

The mood by the end of last night's concert at Duke University in Durham, NC resembled more of a rock concert than a classical event. After the standing ovation and many bows, AF and Philippe Jaroussky ended up doing 3 encores! The audience kept giving standing ovations after each encore, and no one left. Jeannette Sorrell said, "I never believed 3 encores would happen on a Tuesday night, even though I have seen this happen for Philippe on a Saturday. Philippe is absolutely riveting, and the orchestra played alternately like angels and devils."

The orchestra played Jeannette's arrangement of Vivaldi's "La Folia" from memory, much to the delight of the crowd. Cellists René Schiffer and Steuart Pincombe were also a hit in the Concerto for Two Cellos.

The whole thing lasted nearly 2-1/2 hrs, and then many people stayed for quite a while to get autographs from Philippe and Jeannette. The audience included 3 people who had flown down to Durham from Boston and New York for the concert, even though they will also hear the concerts in Boston and Connecticut next week. (They are coming 3 times!) There was also a lady who flew up from Guatamala for the concert.

Today the group boards a plane for Los Angeles. Check back on Friday for a report of that concert!

Rehearsals in Cleveland!

2011-10-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Apollo's Fire - Rehearsal Photos!
Check out some photos from the past few days.

Musicians hard at work! Being lead by Jeannette Sorrell.

Midnight, Oliver Brault, Rene Schiffer and Adriane Post are still playing! The use of the little table instead of music stands is completely baroque, if only they were in period costume, it would look just like a baroque painting!

Carrie Krause and Oliver Brault enjoy some wine after a long day of rehearsal!

Join Apollo's Fire on Tour with Philippe Jaroussky!

2011-10-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Join Apollo's Fire on Tour with Philippe Jaroussky!!

"The U.S.A's Hottest Barouqe Band" is going on tour! Join us on this blog as we update you live at the concerts around the world.

Tour Locations and Dates

October 26, 2011 8:00pm	Duke University – Reynolds Theatre Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Durham, NC

October 28, 2011 8:00pm	University of California at Los Angeles – Royce Hall Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Los Angeles, CA

October 30, 2011 3:00pm	Cal Performances – Hertz Hall Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Berkeley, CA

November 1, 2011 8:00pm	The Royal Conservatory – Koerner Hall Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Toronto, ON

November 3, 2011 7:30pm	University Musical Society – Hill Auditorium Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Ann Arbor, MI

November 5, 2011 8:00pm	Boston Early Music Festival – Emmanuel Church Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Boston, MA

November 6, 2011 2:00pm	University of Connecticut – Jorgensen Performing Arts Center Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Storrs, CT

November 10, 2011	Théâtre de l'Opéra Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Bordeaux, France

November 12, 2011	Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Madrid, Spain

November 14, 2011	Fondation Gulbenkian Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Lisbon, Portugal

November 16, 2011	Arsenal Handel & Vivaldi Fireworks with Philippe Jaroussky	Metz, France