Rehearsals are underway for Easton Choral Arts Society’s spring concert, Carmina Burana. Carl Orff’s masterpiece will be performed on Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the St Michaels High School Auditorium.
Described as a “scenic cantata,” it is based on a medieval collection of secular songs for soloists and chorus. It was originally compiled as a selection of poems covering a wide range of topics common in the 13th century (as well as ours)-the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the ephemeral nature of life, the joy of the return of spring, and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and lust.
Carmina Burana is regarded as one of the most popular 20th-century classical music works. It has been described as an absolute blast — so many people, so many textures, so much variety. The music’s style ranges from simple chant to intense, rhythmically propelled sections, while the gripping intro and finale “Oh Fortuna” continues to excite audiences universally. Joining the chorus in this brilliant arrangement for dueling pianos and five percussionists will be special guests Elizabeth Overmann, soprano, Joshua Baumgardner, tenor and Thomas Beard, bass.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available by visiting www.eastonchoralarts.org, by phone 410-200-0498, at Crackerjacks store or from chorus members.
For those who plan to attend the Saturday performance, several St Michaels restaurants will be giving a 10% discount if you show them your ticket. This offer is only good Saturday night April 5.
Our annual “Dinner with the Maestro” will be held immediately following the Sunday performance at the Tidewater Inn. Tickets are $60 and advanced reservations are required.
Easton Choral Arts Society is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Talbot County Arts Council.
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