Fortuna favours Blenheim’s bold choir

An iconic piece of music comes to Blenheim in a month’s time, with Blenheim Choral presenting the Marlborough premiere of Carmina Burana.

Composed by Carl Orff in 1937, the piece is one of the most recognisable classical pieces of the 20th Century.

From the fireworks of the well-known opening number 'O Fortuna' to the raucous drinking song 'In Taberna' and the sublime 'Dulcissime', Carmina Burana takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotions.

Music director, Robert Tucker promises a spectacular sensory experience.

The Blenheim performance will feature around 70 local singers, three soloists, two pianists and five percussionists at the ASB Theatre on Saturday 2 September.

“There’s so much research about the benefits of mental wellbeing while singing in a group and stimulating your mind singing in a different language, and the choir is a friendly bunch and supportive community”, says Robert.

Each Tuesday at 7pm, the choir gathers at the Wesley Centre for a quarter hour of warm-ups before running through show numbers until 9pm.

“Each month we stick around for tea, coffee and a chinwag after practise, and it’s lovely to catch up or meet new friends”, says Robert.

First performed in 1937 Carmina Burana is based on medieval texts with themes that are only too familiar: the fickleness of fortune and the ephemeral nature of life. The themes of fate, fortune, love, lust and drinking still resonate in the 21^st Century.

“Although the words were written in the 13^thCentury, we can still relate to them,” Robert says.

It’s a very human piece about the foibles of human nature and simple pleasures of life.

“We all want love in our lives and a good time and people still draw on luck. Carmina Burana connects past and present in a thrilling and very accessible way.”

Blenheim Choral will also perform a few pieces from Carmina Burana at Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough Library between 1 and 2 pm on Sunday 27 August.