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
An order processing fee will be added to your cart at checkout.
Reserved Seat Ticket: $50–$75
General Admission Ticket: $15
Special pricing for guests ages 15 and under: More Info
Wintrust Chair & Table Rental Reservation
Prithee, before tonight’s performance and at its intermission, turn thy attention to the Lawn outside the Martin Theatre!
Gather around a local troupe 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, fencing has landed many roles, and the troupe will also explore its appearances across Shakespeare’s plays.
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.
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, brings an electrifying program of virtuosic concertos to life, featuring thrilling musical “duels” between soloists.
Inspired by the 18th-century tradition of instrumentalists facing off in friendly yet breathtaking displays of skill, the program showcases concertos for two violins or two cellos. These works, performed here in “fencing matches,” highlight the dazzling agility, expressive depth, and spirited dialogue between 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 guest troupe to the Lawn before the performance and during intermission to demonstrate fencing techniques and equipment from the sport, as well as share its roles in Shakespearean theater.
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.