Jeanette Sorrell
Jeannette Sorrell, conductor and harpsichordist for Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra, is recognized internationally as one of today’s most compelling interpreters of Baroque music. She is the founder and artistic director of Apollo’s Fire. Before the Baroque orchestra performs a new take on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Walton Arts Center as part of the 10x10 Arts Series, we took the chance to learn more from Sorrell about why she specializes in early music, what audiences can expect from Apollo’s Fire and more.
Q&A with Jeannette Sorrell
Describe what performing this music means to you.
I love bringing the Four Seasons to audiences because we have them discover what the music means. It’s actually a story told through music.
What inspired you to “rediscover” Vivaldi’s Four Seasons?
I realized that many people think they know this music – they can hum a couple of the tunes – but they were actually missing out on what it’s all about.
What can audiences expect from this rediscovered performance?
Lots of energy, some laughs, some unexpected moments... and a new understanding of this famous music.
What drew you to specialize in early music?
I grew up playing lots of Bach and Mozart on the piano. In high school, I started hearing recordings on period instruments and I fell in love with the sounds of these instruments and the kilt and buoyancy that they bring to the music.
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?
Playing at Carnegie Hall and the BBC Proms (London) were certainly memorable. At Carnegie Hall, the audience interrupted our performance to applaud at the end of the harpsichord solo, while the orchestra was still playing. This almost never happens at classical concerts, and it made it feel like a jazz concert.
What message do you hope to send the world via your performance?
The Four Seasons celebrates the joyous relationship that people had with nature back in the 18th century. Today, we are in great danger of losing that due to massive logging, mining, fracking, pollution of rivers and streams, and over-use of plastic – none of which is necessary. I have lived in Europe and seen how there is much more protection for the environment there. In the U.S., our countryside and natural areas are being rapidly destroyed. I hope this concert will remind us all of the precious beauties of nature, which our children deserve to inherit – and inspire us to make that our priority before it’s too late.
Whom do you define as visionary; and why?
Martin Luther King, Jr.; Greta Thunberg and Bernie Sanders – because of their courage to speak the truth and lead us all to a more just society.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Bach St Matthew Passion
Joan Baez
Jeanette Sorrell conducts Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Rediscovered on Saturday, February 29, at Walton Arts Center. Visit www.waltonartscenter.org for $10 tickets!
Jeanette Sorrell conducts Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra