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 Montrose, NY - The public is invited to a free performance of selections of Carl Orff’s vocal and musical masterpiece as well as works by Rossini, Bernstein and others.
”Carmina Burana,” a rousing, spine-tingling 20th century vocal work based on earthy as well as spiritual 13th century poetry, is a favorite of concert-goers worldwide. Usually performed by world-renowned orchestras and vocalists, the piece is considered too challenging for all but the most talented students at elite music schools. However, student vocalists and instrumentalists at Hendrick Hudson High School will prove they have the “chops” to perform parts of this beloved work on Thursday evening, June 5th at 7:30 p.m. at the VA Auditorium in Montrose, NY. The concert is free and open to the public.
Written by German composer Carl Orff (1895-1982) and first performed in 1937, “Carmina Burana” is an exciting musical work with infectious rhythms and emotive vocal arrangements of medieval Latin and German poetry celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. Orff wrote it for symphony orchestra and choir, but permitted legendary arranger John Krance to adapt parts of the work for band and choir, including the piece’s first and best known movement, “O Fortuna.” The evening will feature the parts Krance arranged.
Appearing on stage will be four Hendrick Hudson High School ensembles: The Wind Ensemble, which received a Gold Rating in the 2007 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival; The Treble Chorus, which earned a Gold with Distinction rating in the 2008 NYSSMA Festival as well as a Best in Show designation at the Six Flags Choir Festival last year; the Concert Choir, which received a Silver rating in the 2008 NYSSMA Festival, and the High School Chorus. The concert marks the first time that the Wind Ensemble and the choral ensembles will perform together. The production is produced jointly by Joseph Stamboni, the band director at Hendrick Hudson High School, and Erica Denler, the high school’s chorus director.
The audience will find the opening movement, “O Fortuna,” to be familiar, as it is commonly used in advertising and movie productions. The Krance arrangement also includes “Fortune plango vulnera,” “Ecce gratum,” “Tanz – Uf dem anger,” ”Floret silva,” ”Were diu werlt alle min,” ”Amor volat undique,” “In taberna quando sumus,” “In trutina,” “Ave formosissima,” and “Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi.”
The vocal ensembles and the Wind Ensemble will also perform on their own. Among the vocal works will be medleys from “West Side Story” and “Footloose,” as well as several folk songs and spirituals. The Wind Ensemble will play the Overture to Rossini’s “Barber of Seville.”
The compelling and visceral music of “Carmina Burana” never fails to engage both audience and performers. The additional works are bound to be crowd pleasers, too. Based on the talent of these students and the dedication of their teachers, the June 5th performance will be a knock-out.
“Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff & other vocal and instrumental works
Performed by members of the Wind Ensemble, Treble Chorus, Concert Choir, and High School Chorus of Hendrick Hudson High School (Montrose, NY)
Thursday, June 5th at 7:30 p.m.
The VA Hospital Auditorium
Route 9A, Montrose, NY
Open to the public; admission is free
For information, contact Hendrick Hudson High School during school hours at 914-736-5250 or visit www.henhudschools.org
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