Apollo's Fire Celebrates Interfaith 'O Jerusalem!' Program

The acclaimed baroque orchestra brings an uplifting concert to Cleveland audiences.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:38pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular shapes in deep blue, gold, and brown, conveying the diverse spiritual and artistic traditions explored in Apollo's Fire's 'O Jerusalem!' concert.Apollo's Fire's 'O Jerusalem!' concert celebrates the shared musical and cultural heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.Cleveland Today

The acclaimed baroque orchestra Apollo's Fire is presenting a special interfaith program titled 'O Jerusalem!' that celebrates the shared musical and cultural heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The concert, which features a diverse array of sacred and folk music from the Middle East, is being hailed as a 'vital statement' that promotes unity and understanding between different faith traditions.

Why it matters

In a time of increasing polarization, Apollo's Fire's 'O Jerusalem!' program offers a powerful message of interfaith harmony and the common threads that bind together the Abrahamic religions. The concert highlights the rich musical traditions that have flourished for centuries in the holy city, providing Cleveland audiences with an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Middle Eastern sacred music.

The details

Apollo's Fire, led by acclaimed conductor Jeannette Sorrell, has curated a program that includes Sephardic Jewish melodies, Sufi devotional songs, and ancient Christian chants from the region. The concert features a variety of instruments, such as the oud, riq, and daf, that are integral to Middle Eastern musical traditions. Through this immersive performance, the audience is invited to explore the shared spiritual and artistic legacies of these faiths.

  • Apollo's Fire will present 'O Jerusalem!' on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • The concert is part of Apollo's Fire's 2025-2026 season, which celebrates the ensemble's 30th anniversary.

The players

Apollo's Fire

A renowned baroque orchestra based in Cleveland, Ohio, known for its innovative programming and commitment to exploring diverse musical traditions.

Jeannette Sorrell

The founder and artistic director of Apollo's Fire, who has led the ensemble to critical acclaim for its dynamic and historically-informed performances.

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What they’re saying

“This concert is a vital statement about the shared roots and common humanity of the Abrahamic faiths. Music has the power to bring people together and foster understanding, and that's exactly what 'O Jerusalem!' aims to do.”

— Jeannette Sorrell, Founder and Artistic Director, Apollo's Fire

What’s next

Tickets for 'O Jerusalem!' are on sale now, and the concert is expected to sell out quickly due to high demand. Apollo's Fire will also be taking the program on tour to other cities in the region later in the year.

The takeaway

Apollo's Fire's 'O Jerusalem!' concert serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of music to bridge divides, foster understanding, and celebrate the shared humanity that unites people of all faiths. This program is a testament to the ensemble's commitment to using their artistry to promote social and cultural harmony.