Thu 3/14 @ 6-9PM
Harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell, founder and artistic director of Cleveland-based baroque chamber orchestra Apollo’s Fire, is a perfect example of “If people say you can’t something, just start something of your own.”
She studied harpsichord at Oberlin, and conducting under Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood and was a conducting fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. When she was turned down for an audition for an assistant conductor job with the Cleveland Orchestra because, according to then-music director Christoph von Dohnanyi, Cleveland wasn’t ready to see a woman on the podium, she followed her passion for period instrumentation and founded Apollo’s Fire in 1992. Since then, the orchestra has expanded to have seasons in both Cleveland and Chicago and perform at major festivals including Tanglewood and Ravinia, and in Europe.
Now Ursuline College has named Sorrell as recipient of its Women Who Light the Way award. They say, “The award honors a woman leader of national stature who serves as an inspiration to Ursuline students and to future generations.”
“Ms. Sorrell embodies the essence of this award: women who have risen to leadership roles in their fields to inspire future generations through their courage and determination,” says Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne. “She has been an unstoppable force in an industry dominated by men and a role model for the next generation of women leaders.”
A ceremony and reception will take place on Thursday March 14 at the Dodero Center for the Performing Arts on the Gilmour Academy campus and will include a conversation between Sorrell and De Vinne. Ticket proceeds benefit Ursuline Scholarships. Go here for tickets.
Cleveland, OH 44124