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Donors to the Annual Fund from December 11–January 2, 2025

Mark Bitikofer • BlueWater Chamber Orchestra • Erica Brenner • Clevesews • Evan Coyne • Ruth E. Fenske • Peggy Gallagher • Wayne Gorder • Samuel Gordon • Samuel Harris • Michael Hartenstein • Mark Hesselink • Maria Hoke • Samuel Hubish • Kathryn Hug • Donald Jackson • Damir Janigro • Fern Jennings • Nick and Sue Jones • Charles Joy • Jodi D. Kanter • Charles Kay • Clayton Koppes • Stanley Kozak • Mark Koznarek • Steve Manning • Charles McGuire & Kira McGirr • Kevin McLaughlin • Holly McTernan • Antoinette S. Miller • Musica Capriccio • Debra Nagy • Ann Palomo • Nancy Patterson • Mark S. Perlmutter • Sheila Pedigo • Laura B. Potter • Karen L. Prasser • David Reithoffer • Donald Rosenberg • Lee Scantlebury • Sara Schaft • John Schambach • Robert Shannon • John F. Shelley • Rebecca Smith • Cynthia Snider • Jeannette Sorrell • Robert Staib • Stars in the Classics • Thomas Suddes • Isabel Trautwein • Jim & Jean Triner • Patricia Twarogowski • Edward Weber

Apollo’s Fire delights in second decade of Praetorius’ Christmas Vespers (Dec. 18)

by Peter Feher

The German composer Michael Praetorius never had a Christmas hit on the level of, say, O Tannenbaum — an early version of which, circa 1600, is attributed to his contemporary Melchior Franck.

But in the 21st century, Praetorius has found seasonal success thanks to a team of savvy producers. Apollo’s Fire and artistic director Jeannette Sorrell have championed the composer for two decades now, fashioning his music into an enduring, historically informed holiday program. Christmas Vespers isn’t a single piece from the Praetorius catalog but rather a unique “best of” compilation that Cleveland’s Baroque orchestra unveiled in 2005 and last presented in 2015.

Who says a liturgical service can’t be popular? Apollo’s Fire once again drew sold-out crowds to church venues across Northeast Ohio with these concerts, including a packed Trinity Cathedral on Thursday evening, December 18. And for anyone who still can’t get enough Praetorius, the ensemble plans to release a video recording of the 2025 Trinity performances — not instead of, but in addition to, the group’s 2007 CD. [Read on…]

Burning River Brass opens Arts Renaissance Tremont season (Dec. 19)

by Kevin McLaughlin

Presented by Arts Renaissance Tremont, Burning River Brass’s annual Holiday Spectacular filled Pilgrim Congregational Church on Friday evening, December 19.

The handsome late 19th-century sanctuary rang with brass, and the season arrived. Many in the audience were regulars, a familiarity that showed in the musicians’ ease onstage — the kind of exchange that gives these concerts an enduring appeal.

Trumpeter Heather Zweifel helped set the tone with spoken introductions that were relaxed, conversational, and disarming. More than an emcee, she shaped the evening’s pace and sense of welcome, guiding listeners through the program with an ease that mirrored the ensemble’s assured playing.

Introductions revealed the players’ far-flung origins — New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Michigan, anchored by a strong Cleveland core — but the playing suggested long acquaintance. [Read on…]

Christmas with Cantus at Tuesday Musical (Nov. 30)

by Peter Feher

Tuesday Musical gave Akron audiences a generous Christmas gift this year. The presenter tied three holiday classics together in one sumptuous concert on Sunday afternoon, November 30, at E.J. Thomas Hall. First up was the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, followed by a quick waltz through The Nutcracker and a ride on The Polar Express.

Delightfully, this trio of tales was recounted with drama and poise — not by any actors or dancers but by the eight members of the all-male a cappella ensemble Cantus. The group, based in Minnesota and now in its fourth decade, is once again touring the country with a polished, compact production of carols, pop tunes, and of course Tchaikovsky.

[Read on…]

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Donors to the Annual Fund from December 11–January 2, 2025

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