From the President

Who needs the Three Tenors when you have the Three Amandas? – Greetings and welcome to ALLURE: The Three Amandas! This unique program has long been a dream of Jeannette Sorrell and her virtuoso diva friends – Amanda Forsythe, Amanda Powell, and Amanda Crider. While all three are longtime favorites with Apollo’s Fire audiences, this is the first time that all three are meeting each other and actually singing together.

Thanks to a generous donation, we are delighted to announce that Apollo’s Fire will record this program next week for international CD release in September 2021. The album release will be a festive way to launch our 30th anniversary season next year.

It is not too late to subscribe to our 29th Season: A Pilgrimage of Hope! Throughout the 2020-2021 season, Apollo (the Greek god of music and healing) will lead us on a musical journey from solitude to hope. You can enjoy our music in whatever way suits you best – attend in person, or at home. (Please see page 42 for details.)

We are thrilled that our new Worldwide Watch-at-Home series launched two weeks ago has already garnered enthusiastic comments from around the country. For example:

“Wow! Such a moving and memorable performance. The video production allows us to see into the performers’ souls.” – Cliff from Akron, OH

“We loved the video production. Not only are the musicians wonderful, but also the sound and camera work are excellent.” – Joan and Richard from Chicago, IL

“We get a new ‘Covid-19 lockdown light’ here in Germany. But what could be better than watching your awesome Resilience Concert Video again. It’s a ray of hope during these difficult times.” – Steffen from Germany

In other exciting news, the documentary PLAYING WITH FIRE: Jeannette Sorrell and the Mysteries of Conducting, by two-time Oscar award-winning director Allan Miller, was recently named “Best U.S. Documentary” at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival. The film was also chosen for the festival’s Opening Night Gala, and was the “Most Watched” film of the festival.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are grateful for our patrons, our donors, and our musicians. Apollo’s Fire continues to help our musicians during the pandemic through our Musicians’ Fund. To date, AF has paid out over $150,000 to musicians in partial payments for cancelled concerts and in stipends for many of our core musicians. You can help our beloved musicians by giving to the Apollo’s Fire Musicians’ Fund, where 100% of your donation will go directly to our musicians.

Your generosity through this challenging time inspires us. We promise to inspire you with Passion. Period.

And now, enjoy the incredible ALLURE of The Three Amandas!

Charles A. Bittenbender President