

Apollo’s Fire
Fencing Match: Dueling double concertos from Bach, Vivaldi & more
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DateAug 13, 2025
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VenueMartin Theatre
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Event Starts7:30 PM
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Donor Gates4:30 PM
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Public Gates5:00 PM
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Ticket Prices$15–$75
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Before tonight’s performance, be on the watch for fencers roaming the Lawn outside the Martin Theatre! At intermission, gather around a pair of fencing artists to watch a demonstration of sword sport and hear about the variety of fencing equipment and techniques that have evolved since the Middle Ages—from military tactics to Olympic spectacle.
During the concert by Apollo’s Fire, Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell will delve further into the parallels between this iconic form of duel combat and the uncommon energy of duo concertos, highlighting connections throughout the performance.
Reserved Seat Ticket: $50–$75
General Admission Ticket: $15
Special pricing for guests ages 15 and under: More Info
Wintrust Chair & Table Rental Reservation
The Park View is open with a classic dining menu and full-service bar. Reservations are recommended for dinner, but walk-ins are welcome.
Ravinia Café offers hot bites plus chilled grab-and-go food and drinks, specialty coffees, ice cream, and snacks.
Cashless: Cash will not be accepted at Dining Pavilion restaurants, bars, or concessions. Please bring a credit/debit card or other cashless forms of payment.
About the Performance
Ravinia is grateful for the support of
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Sponsor
The Grammy-winning Baroque orchestra Apollo’s Fire, under the direction of renowned conductor Jeannette Sorrell, with a red-hot program of fiery musical “duels.” Highlights include Bach’s beloved Concerto for Two Violins and René Schiffer’s thrilling “Tango” Concerto for Two Violas da Gamba. AF principal players, including concertmaster Alan Choo, take turns stepping into the spotlight in this evening of dazzling agility.
Inspired by the 18th-century tradition of instrumentalists facing off in friendly yet breathtaking displays of skill, the program showcases concertos with pairs of soloists, each striving to outshine the other in a captivating musical conversation.
Throughout the concert, Sorrell also delves into the parallels between these duo concertos and fencing duels, and Apollo’s Fire welcomes a pair of fencing artists to roam the Lawn before the performance and, during intermission, to demonstrate techniques and equipment from the sport.
With Sorrell’s keen interpretive insight and Apollo’s Fire’s trademark passion, the ensemble breathes fresh life into some of the Baroque era’s most beloved works. Expect virtuosic fireworks in concertos by Vivaldi and Bach, as well as lesser-known gems that showcase the raw excitement and improvisatory brilliance of the period. Beyond the technical brilliance, the performance offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Baroque music-making, where musicians were both collaborators and rivals, pushing the boundaries of expression and technique.
Performers
Apollo’s Fire
Jeannette Sorrell, artistic director & conductor
Alan Choo, violin
Susanna Perry Gilmore, violin
Emi Tanabe, violin
Rebecca Landell, cello & viola da gamba
René Schiffer, cello & viola da gamba
Daphna Mor, recorder
Kathie Stewart, traverso
Program
Antonio Vivaldi: Mvt. I from Concerto Grosso in D major, RV 564 Alan Choo & Emi Tanabe, violin; René Schiffer & Rebecca Landell, cello
Georg Philipp Telemann: Concerto for Recorder and Flute in E minor Daphna Mor, recorder; Kathie Stewart, traverso
Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043 Alan Choo & Susanna Perry Gilmore, violin
–Intermission–
Jean-Philippe Rameau: Dances from Les Fêtes d’Hébé and Dardanus
René Schiffer: “Tango” Concerto for Two Violas da Gamba René Schiffer & Rebecca Landell, viola da gamba
Antonio Vivaldi (arr. Jeannette Sorrell): La Folia (“Madness”), after Trio Sonata in D minor, RV 63 (“Follia”) Alan Choo & Emi Tanabe, violin