The monumental harmony of more than 200 voices combine to perform Carl Orff’s unforgettable masterwork Carmina Burana. Orff’s cantata, composed in 1936, was based on a 13th-century manuscript of poems and dramatic texts. The work’s most well-known piece is the song ‘O Fortuna’ – its powerful opening has added weight to countless moments in TV and film. But there’s nothing quite like hearing it performed live.
The monumental harmony of over 200 voices of Brighton Festival Chorus and Southend Boys’ Choir combine with the full force of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to perform Orff’s masterwork Carmina Burana. Also on this afternoon’s programme are Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No.1, performed by Jennifer Pike, and Sibelius’ Finlandia.
“400 VOICES IN MONUMENTAL HARMONY” GLINKA Russlan and Ludmilla Overture SAINT–SAËNS Symphony No. 3 ‘Organ Symphony’ ORFF Carmina Burana London Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Choral Society Brighton Festival Chorus Goldsmiths Choral Union Helena Dix soprano Anthony Gregory tenor Alex Otterburn baritone James Morgan conductor
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.
Carmina Burana is 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.
Soprano – Elin Manahan Thomas. Tenor – Stephen Wallace. Baritone – Leight Melrose. Royal Choral Society. Brighton Festival Youth Choir.
Monumental Opera. Soprano – Lucia Cesaroni. Tenor – Michal Pavel Viojta. Baritone – Thomas Berau. Brighton Festival Youth Choir.
Monumental Opera. Soprano – Lucia Cesaroni. Tenor – Michal Pavel Viojta. Baritone – Thomas Berau. Brighton Festival Youth Choir.
Classical Music Alive. Soprano – Yvvette Bonner. Tenor – Daniel Auchincloss. Baritone – John Rawnsley. Brighton Festival Youth Choir.