An orchestra conductor waving a baton.

Carmina Burana

9 September 2023

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Classical Music

Carmina Burana will keep you on the edge of your seat with its rousing choruses and wicked humour. Elena Kats-Chernin’s Human Waves is inspired by the rich tapestry of our migrant history. And Yuwaalaraay man James Henry paints a fond portrait of the ibis in Murrgumurrgu.

Carmina Burana

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is the blockbuster of the choral repertoire. Its worldly – and occasionally naughty – texts were assembled by mediæval monks, but its flamboyant music is barely a century old. Right from the opening rousing chorus of “O Fortuna!” Carmina Burana will take you on an exhilarating and often visceral journey through the rhythms of life.

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are also thrilled to present the premiere of Elena Kats-Chernin’s Human Waves. With words by fellow-pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska, it charts stories of struggle and success from the rich tapestry of Australia’s migrant history, finding inspiration in the diversity of cultures and traditions that make up our society.

Murrgumurrgu, by First Nations artist James Henry, takes its title from the Yuwaalaraay name for the ibis, which breeds on the Narran Lakes coming to Sydney to find food.

Program

James HENRY 
Murrgumurrgu (Ibis)*†

Elena KATS‑CHERNIN 
Human Waves*†

Carl ORFF 
Carmina Burana

* World Premiere
† From 100 Minutes of New Australian Music Project

Artists

Brett Weymark conductor
Lorina Gore soprano
Kanen Breen tenor
Hadleigh Adams baritone
Festival Chorus
River City Voices
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra

Other information

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