Our first concert since 2019, and a joy to perform Carmina Burana – one of the most popular choral works ever written – used in everything from TV adverts to horror films. This is because it’s so instantly memorable, and conjures up so many strong visual images throughout its epic, sprawling, occasionally bonkers journey, from the menace of the opening to the heart stopping beauty of the soprano solo – In Trutina. BFC has a long association with the piece, and recorded the version used so memorably in an Old Spice advert. Jonathan Dove is one of the UK’s leading composers, and The Passing of the Year is one of his finest achievements, with glorious harmony, colours and textures. A contemporary yet accessible piece, charged with intensity and beauty.