January 24, 2024
Ursuline College has named Jeannette Sorrell, founder, artistic director, and conductor of Apollo’s Fire, as its 2024 recipient of its Women Who Light the Way award.
The award honors a woman leader of national stature who serves as an inspiration to Ursuline students and to future generations. Sorrell frequently talks about the challenges she faced in the world of classical music where only 13.1% of conductors are women and how her struggles and passion led her to launching Apollo’s Fire, which performs sold-out concerts around the world. The GRAMMY®-winning conductor is recognized internationally as one of today’s most compelling interpreters of Baroque and Classical repertoire. She was recently the subject of a new documentary, “Playing with Fire,” from two-time Academy Award-winning director Allan Miller.
“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,” states Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD. “She has been an unstoppable force in an industry dominated by men and a role model for the next generation of women leaders.”
Past recipients include the late ground-breaking journalist Cokie Roberts, best-selling author and social justice activist Sr. Helen Prejean CSJ, to name a few. “I’m honored that Ursuline College counts me among these pioneering women,” says Sorrell.
The award ceremony and reception will take place on Thursday, March 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Lorraine & Bill Dodero Center for the Performing Arts on the Gilmour Academy campus, just 1.6 miles from Ursuline College. It will feature a dialogue between Sorrell and outgoing Ursuline College president Sister Chris, who will retire at the end of June after nine years at College’s helm.
Event proceeds will support scholarships at Ursuline College. Individual tickets are $75. For more information, visit ursuline.edu/light.
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