DIASPORA: Jewish Music of Longing & Celebration

GRAMMY-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell returns to Philaharmonic Baroque Orchestra (PBO )as part of the organization’s acclaimed Jews & Music program—bringing together members from her ensemble Apollo’s Fire alongside the Philharmonia Chamber Players and singers from the Philharmonia Chorale in this unique collaboration between two of the country’s most vital historical performance ensembles. In this new program, Sorrell draws on her previous work in acclaimed recordings of Jewish music—and her own Jewish roots—to create an exploration of Sephardic, Roman, and Ashkenazy musical traditions. From a soulful prayer of longing for Jerusalem, to a ballad of a lover betrayed, to a joyful wedding dance and neighborhood party, the sounds of plucked instruments, wooden flutes, and exotic percussion blend with the rhythms of daily life—love, singing, dancing and prayer. The company of performers, including musicians of Palestinian, Yiddish, and Sephardic traditions, join in a program of solidarity and celebration. PBO Jews & Music Scholar in Residence Francesco Spagnolo will join Jeanette in conversations as they explore roots, music, and more.

With

Jeannette Sorrell, conductor & harpsichord
Francesco Spagnolo, Scholar in Residence
Polina Skovoroda Shepherd, soprano
Haitham Haidar, tenor
Jeffrey Strauss, baritone
Alan Choo, violin
Emi Tanabe, violin
Daphna Mor, recorder, ney & voice
Merlin Shepherd, klezmer clarinet
Apollo’s Singers
Philharmonia Chorale Quintet
Philharmonia Chamber Players

Performances March 15 and March 16, 8pm, at Taube Atrium Theater, Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera, San Francisc

Performance March 17, 7:30pm, at Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Unviersity