Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Apollo's Fire

“Jewish music is the tonal expression of Jewish life over a period of over two thousand years, during which the Jewish people have been rent from their physical homeland... and scattered over the entire earth.” —Abraham Idelsohn

Grammy-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell returns to PBO as part of the organization’s acclaimed Jews & Music program—bringing together members from her ensemble Apollo’s Fire alongside the Philharmonia Chamber Players and singers from the Philharmonia Chorale in this unique collaboration between two of the country’s most vital historical performance ensembles. In this new program, Sorrell draws on her previous work in acclaimed recordings of Jewish music—and her own Jewish roots— to create an exploration of Sephardic, Roman, and Ashkenazy musical traditions. From a soulful prayer of longing for Jerusalem, to a ballad of a lover betrayed, to a joyful wedding dance and neighborhood party, the sounds of plucked instruments, wooden flutes, and exotic percussion blend with the rhythms of daily life—love, singing, dancing and prayer. The company of performers, including musicians of Jewish, Palestinian, Yiddish, and Sephardic backgrounds, join in a program of solidarity and celebration. PBO Jews & Music Scholar in Residence Francesco Spagnolo will join Jeanette in conversation as they explore roots, music and more.