As the Founding Fathers launched the Revolutionary War in 1776, they also dispatched their most charming and skilled diplomat, Ben Franklin, on an assignment in Paris to secure crucial French military aid for the American Revolution. As one of the most colorful geniuses in American history, the 70-year-old Franklin knew that the way to win the hearts and loyalty of the French was to immerse himself in their cultural life. He undertook his assignment with gusto, attending concerts, ballroom dances, and opera performances, and meeting the great French writer, Voltaire. Apollo’s Fire evokes his musical adventures in this festive program of orchestral works that were performed in Paris during his 9-year stay, including Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony and highlights from a Rameau opera. PROGRAM MOZART: Overture to Les Petits Riens (Paris, 1778) ANONYMOUS: Contredanse “La Voltaire et La Franklein” RAMEAU: Selections from Les Fêtes de l’Hymen et de l’Amour BOLOGNE: Sinfonie-Concertante, op. 13 no. 2 (1776) Alan Choo & Chloe Fedor, violin GRETRY: Suite from Zemire et Azor (1771) & Le Caravan du Caire (1783) MOZART: Symphony no. 31, “Paris” (1778)
