Event:
Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" in concert
Date:
June 27, Anfiteatro (Marina di Maiori) at 9 pm
"We are singing the sexiest Carmina Burana the Amalfi Coast has ever heard", that's conductor Jonathan Talberg's promise for the upcoming concert event on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 9.00 pm at the Anfiteatro in Maiori (Marina). The entrance is free for the 2008 Incantato Festival opening.
Under the direction of Dr. Talberg, a masterly US-American choir director and renowned university professor, 120 singers from four choirs are performing Carl Orff's masterpiece in full length with soloists, mixed choir, two pianos and symphomic orchestra: The California State University Chamber Choir supported by singers from the CSULB University Choir from Long Beach, The California State University San Bernadino Chamber Singers and The Carolina International Chorale from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Carmina Burana is an extraordinary and moving cantata based on 24 poems from the 13th century that were discovered in a Bavarian monastery. The poems cover a wide range of secular topics as familiar to us today as they undoubtedly were in the 13th century: the transient nature of wealth, the fickleness of fortune, the joy over the return of Spring, and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and sex. The music has a here-and-now quality that captures the attention of modern audiences, it is surging, powerful and sometimes very erotic. "Perfect for a hot summer night on the amazing Amalfi Coast", exclaims Talberg. Performing Carmina in Italy is a dream come true for the conductor and singers alike. The Maiori Anfiteatro is an ideal setting for this essential artistic experience. When visiting the Amalfi Coast for the very first time last summer, the maestro was particularly moved by the hospitality of the locals and great appreciation for fine arts. "When asked if we would consider performing Carmina in Maiori, there could only be one answer: YES", Talberg recalls. The local commitment and support, both morally and financially, substantiallly helped to realize the project titled "Incantato Festival 2008". The highlight performance of Carmina Burana in Maiori is presented by the New York based Performance Tour Specialists Incantato Tours & Concert Management in cooperation with the Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo di Maiori and under the patronage of the Regione di Campania. The singers' journey will also be documented by a videographer that was especially appointed to come along.
While the symphonic orchestra is comprised of professional musicians from the Republic of Udmurtia which makes Carmina in Maiori a truly international event, the soloists and pianists come from the United States - like the choristers. Tenor Andrew Crane has already made himself a name for his inspired interpretation of the role. Baritone Tyler Alessio and Soprano Ashley Seaton are outstanding voice majors at California State University Long Beach and the concerts will be their international premiere as soloists in a major production. Christopher Luthi and Joshua Tuburan are the pianists.
Incantato Tours proudly presents CSUSB & MMC from California at Iglesia de Santo Tomè in Toledo on June 30 at 8 pm. The church dates from the 12th century, although it was completely rebuilt in the early 14th century by the Count of Orgaz. The tower is one of the best examples of the Mudéjar art characteristic of Toledo. The two upper sections are made of brick, with two groups of two and three windows with pointed horseshoe arches
scalloped with other lobed arches. The interior is home to one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz, which is on display in a special room. For more info (in Spanish), click here.
