Apollo's Fire summertime concerts are 'Plaine & Saucy'

Soprano Nell Snaidas, a favorite with Cleveland audiences from her many appearances with Apollo’s Fire, will return in June to sing tunes from the British Isles in a program called “Plaine & Saucy.” Sharing the stage with her will be the Apollo’s Fire Countryside Players and Apollo’s Fire artistic director and conductor Jeannete Sorrell, along with guests from the Baltimore Consort. We recently chatted with Snaidas.

Margi Griebling-Haigh: Cleveland audiences have often enjoyed your performances of Spanish and Italian music, but I think this will be your first time on the Countryside series. I’m sure you’re aware that these concerts take place in a barn.

Nell Snaidas: Yes, the famous Baroque Music Barn in Hunting Valley. I’ve heard about it for years, and it sounds charming and perfect for this lighthearted repertoire. I can’t wait to see it.

MGH: How did you come to immerse yourself in Spanish folk repertoire?

NS: I have made a specialty of Mediterranean music and have sung it around the world. My father was from Uruguay and we grew up with a lot of Spanish culture in the home, from films to music, literature, and dance. Although my mother was fluent in Spanish, her entire family is of Irish descent. We also listened to a lot of traditional Irish music in our home.

MGH: I have heard the term “Black Irish” used to refer to an Irish person who has very dark hair and dark or light eyes. Can you provide us with a little lesson in anthropology?

NS: In fact, there is a natural connection between Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula. It is thought that these characteristics result from an Iberian/Irish mixture originating with survivors of the Spanish Armada.

MGH:Perhaps this accounts for your striking complexion as well, and further explains the ease with which you make the musical hop from the Iberian Peninsula to the British Isles.

NS: I always retained a love for Irish folk music and even sang in Gaelic at my senior recital at conservatory. An element of this folk music remains in the pieces of Purcell and Ravenscroft, which we will sing at the “Plaine & Saucy” concerts.

MGH:What does “Plaine & Saucy” mean?

NS: This folk music from England, Scotland and, of course, Ireland is full of haunting melodies. The same tunes can be heartbreakingly beautiful when sung in a slow and lamenting fashion [“Plaine”] and then when sped up, they can feel like festive party tunes that make you want to dance [“Saucy”].

MGH: Share a bit of your history with Apollo’s Fire.

NS: I began working with Jeannette in 2005, although I had known about her and Apollo’s Fire for quite some time. It was a dream of mine to work together, and the experience was better than I could have imagined. I immediately felt a deep connection to Jeannette and found that we shared a similar sensibility in our approach to music making.

MGH: Who are some of your other “Plaine & Saucy” collaborators?

NS: Mark Cudek is the guest director for this program. He is a wonderful and inventive performer and has inspired many of the best young careers in Early Music. We will be joined by Ronn McFarlane, who is known as one of the greatest living lutenists, along with the magical and sparkling flute player Mindy Rosenfeld. They play regularly together in the Baltimore Consort, a group known for its spirited performances of popular renaissance music.

MGH: This sounds like an amazing partnership--Apollo’s Fire is equally known for its passion and pizzazz. It seems that local favorites Tina Bergmann, the alchemist of the hammered dulcimer, and Kathie Stewart, the sweetheart of the wooden flutes, will also be heard. What a treat.

NS: Yes, and I know that every time I come to sing here, whether I am in a solo program or in a larger group, it will be a magical experience.

Apollo's Fire Tickets to the concerts are $20-$45. To enjoy the Countryside Concerts up close – order in the premium section to ensure seating in the first few rows.) Discounted student tickets are available for purchase in select seating sections. Student tickets are free at the Happy Days Lodge and Bath Church locations, made possible by the GAR Foundation. Tickets are available by phone 800-314-2535, or online at www.apollosfire.org. For a complete concert schedule, go to Apollo's Fire website.