Did you know?

• The texts for CARMINA BURANA  are drawn from 13th century texts written by monks who were letting their hair down.
• The first version, large orchestra and  large chorus, proved to be so popular that a smaller version scored for two pianos and percussion was arranged so that smaller ensembles could preform the work. 
• Aaron Copland, long noted for his use of American themes in his orchestral work, created settings for 10 folk songs he discovered in the Brown University library in the early 1950’s. The first versions were scored for piano and solo voice, but they proved to be so popular that, like Carmina Burana, other arrangements were created to meet the demand

Our season continues with two performances of Carl Orff’s popular work CARMINA BURANA. After it’s full orchestra debut, the piece proved to be in such demand with choruses that an additional edition was published. This edition,  scored for two pianos and percussion, is better suited for venues like the First United Methodist Church and choruses the size of CCS.  However, none of the rhythmic intensity and excitement is lost and our 70-plus singers are going to give it their all.

Aaron Copland

In addition, continuing our history of collaboration,  we are joining the Catskill Symphony as they pay tribute to Aaron Copland with a performance of his Old American Songbooks 1 & 2,  settings of American folksongs for voice and orchestra. This concert, on May 11, will take place at Foothills Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit the  Catskill Symphony Orchestra’s event page

This program, sponsored in part by Erna Morgan McReynolds and Tom Morgan , is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by Chenango Arts Council with support from the Governor and the New York Legislature.

Performances