Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, composed in 1935-6, is an earthy celebration of life and love, as expressed in the words of some thoroughly worldly medieval clerics. Book-ended by the famous chorus ‘O Fortuna’—a meditation on the fickleness of fate—the cantata acclaims the coming of spring, the pleasures of dancing, feasting and drinking, and the trials and delights of love. Originally written for large orchestra, Orff’s invigorating rhythms, soaring melodies, and rollicking choruses are equally effective in this version for two pianos and percussion.

Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, written thirty years later, was commissioned by the Dean of Chichester Cathedral. It is a deeply felt religious work, setting words from the Book of Psalms, sung in the original Hebrew. A wide range of texts inspires Bernstein to music which is, by turns, dramatic, joyous and serene. Although more obviously ‘modern’ than Carmina Burana, the wonderful melodies and rhythms leave no doubt that this is music from the composer of West Side Story.

Conductor: Benjamin Nicholas

Ailish Tynan (soprano) Libby Burgess (piano)

Simon Ponsford (countertenor) Robert Quinney (piano/organ)

Jack Lee (bass) Julian Poole & colleagues (percussion)

Catrin Meek (harp)

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.

Group Bookings

Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on Full Price tickets (cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or concession). Please select the appropriate number of tickets and the price will convert automatically in your basket.