UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Apollo’s Fire, The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra — directed by harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell and accompanied by soprano Amanda Forsythe — will perform “The Power of Love: Operatic Fireworks from Handel and Vivaldi," at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Schwab Auditorium on Penn State University Park campus.
The concert will explore love, angst and revenge in arias by George Frideric Handel and concertos by Antonio Vivaldi. The program will also feature Sorrell’s acclaimed arrangement of Vivaldi’s “La Folia,” which the orchestra performs from memory.
Apollo’s Fire, making its fourth appearance at Penn State, will also perform at a free and informal Classical Coffeehouse while in residence at the University.
Called the United States’ “hottest Baroque band” by Classical Music Magazine, Apollo’s Fire was founded in 1992 by conductor Sorrell as a way for expert musicians in the Renaissance, Baroque and early classical genres to exercise their talents and to explore the concept of ancient music performance.
The orchestra, which often performs for full houses in Cleveland, sold out its 2015 debut concert at the Tanglewood festival. The ensemble has also performed sold-out concerts throughout Europe, including at BBC Proms and the Aldeburgh Festival in the United Kingdom; Madrid’s Royal Theatre; and the Grand Théàtre de l’ Opéra in Bordeaux, France.
Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, takes place in Schwab one hour before the concert and is free for ticket holders.
This presentation is a component of the Center for the Performing Arts Classical Music Project. With support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the project provides opportunities to engage students, faculty and the community with classical music artists and programs.
Juniper Village at Brookline sponsors the concert. WPSU is the media sponsor. The Nina C. Brown Endowment provides support.
Related no-cost Classical Coffeehouse
Apollo’s Fire will perform and discuss selected music in a Classical Coffeehouse at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in the Hintz Family Alumni Center’s Robb Hall. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Attendees will receive a Classical Coffeehouse mug, while supply lasts. Each Penn State student in attendance will receive — at the end of the coffeehouse — a voucher for a serving of Berkey Creamery ice cream.
Classical Coffeehouse is presented in partnership with the Blue & White Society and the Penn State Alumni Association. The Penn State Council of LionHearts also provides support.
To learn more about the presentation, and for ticketing information, visit Apollo’s Fire or call 814-863-0255.
View more information about the ensemble’s engagement activities at Penn State.
Watch a video of the ensemble performing the first movement of Johannes Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 1.”
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