Carmina Burana

Few works command such instant recognition as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

From the powerful opening ‘O Fortuna’ to moments of shimmering tenderness, this choral masterpiece celebrates the passions, fortunes and follies of life with irresistible energy. Performed in the striking version Orff created for two pianos and percussion, the work’s rhythmic drive and dramatic contrasts come vividly to life.

In addition to featuring three outstanding soloists, this concert also marks a significant first for Sydney Chamber Choir — a collaboration with the renowned Sydney Children’s Choir, whose youthful voices will bring a fresh and luminous colour to Orff’s timeless score.

Balancing the journey to Orff’s Medieval Germany are two powerful contemporary Australian works: Nardi Simpson’s Dharriwaa – Narran Lakes Dreaming and Paul Stanhope’s I am Martuwarra, both of which celebrate in language and song deep connections to Country. Completing the program is David Conte’s radiant Invocation and Dance, a work of lyrical beauty and rhythmic vitality that perfectly complements the concert’s celebration of renewal and joy.

Join us for an afternoon of exhilarating music-making, where driving rhythm and expressive beauty meet in a celebration of choral sound at its most powerful and inspiring.