Romanza Festivale presents the St. Augustine Community Chorus as they join forces with the Bel Canto Singers of Daytona, along with the St. Augustine Youth Chorus, performing a prelude of Adiemus by Karl Jenkins and a production of Carl Orff's masterpiece, "Carmina Burana." The crash of a gong and the unified cry, “O Fortuna!” (Oh Fate!), represents one of the most famous and gripping moments in all of music. Carl Orff set his epic oratorio to medieval poems that explore everything from destiny and luck, to the joys of food and drink, to the rapture of love. The popularity of "Carmina Burana" is often compared to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, with its famous "O Fortuna!" passage having been used throughout pop culture to create hugely dramatic effect. Carmina is a staple of the choral repertoire, full of energy, with beautiful and some familiar melodies. Orff created this setting of 13th century texts and songs in 1936, and its popularity soared and continues today.
Co-directed by Michael Sanflippo, SACCs Music Director, and Dr. David J. Redman, Artistic Director of the Bel Canto Singers of Daytona, this concert will also feature guest soloists Soprano Anna Eschbach and Baritone Sean Stork. This version will be accompanied by two pianos and lots of percussion. Join us for this special program!
This Masterworks program ends SACCs year long 70th anniversary season and takes place Saturday, May 11th, from 4:00-5:30, inside the beautiful Kirk Auditorium, located on the campus of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind at 207 San Marco Ave., just north of St. Augustine's historic district.