If you are an early music fan, surely you’ve heard of the international baroque orchestra, Apollo’s Fire, based in Cleveland, OH. From their website, you can read:

25 years ago, Jeannette Sorrell had an obsession and a dream. The obsession was baroque music, as it was meant to be done – alive and full of emotional impact. The dream: a period-instrument orchestra in Northeast Ohio.

25 years ago, Apollo’s Fire “burst on the scene with dazzling style” (THE PLAIN DEALER). Four European tours and 24 CD releases later, Apollo’s Fire has played to sold-out crowds in New York, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, Madrid, Bordeaux, the Tanglewood Festival and the BBC Proms in London…. But what we love most is bringing world-class performances to your doorstep – here in Northeast Ohio.

AF’s subscription programs have repeatedly been chosen by GRAMOPHONE and BBC MAGAZINE as among the “Top 20 concerts in North America.” Founding Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell is hailed for her “inspired leadership” (THE INDEPENDENT, London) and “revelatory performances” (OPERA NEWS).

Here’s a video promoting their 25th anniversary season—you, like I, will be immediately drawn to their lively and emotional performance.

This year they will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a grand gala fundraiser, “Silver,” which will happen this Saturday night, May 13th in the new Stirn Hall at Hawken Upper School, Gates Mills, OH. It is billed as “an evening jubilee — music, food & wine!”

Why am I sharing all of this with you? Why, if you preview the Silent Auction items, look at the first special travel package!

Yes, I am offering three days and nights in my condo—hopefully attractive for Early Music lovers who want to support the work of Apollo’s Fire! Here is how I described it:

Early Music Lovers: Spend three nights in an upscale Honolulu condo, complete with pipe organ and harpsichord! 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, gourmet kitchen, spectacular view of Punchbowl, central air conditioning.

Most unfortunately, I have never heard a live concert of Apollo’s Fire — yet! But it was through the gentle persuasion of our long-time friend, Joan Ishibashi, that I was encouraged to offer my condo and car for three nights in support of this superb baroque orchestra.

If you are in the Cleveland area, this week, I encourage you to attend this gala event!
More information may be obtained by viewing the Apollo’s Fire website.

For your listening pleasure, here is Apollo’s Fire performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 5, 1st movement.

What a great group! I hope to hear them in person one day.