BWW Reviews: Bach Festival Society Teams Up with Orlando Ballet to Create CARMINA BURANA

It is one of the most recognizable orchestral scores in the world. Created by German Composer, Carl Off, CARMINA BURANA's nimble melodies combine with powerful chords to make the piece. The opening number "O Fortuna" is often used popular culture during scene of plight.

CARMINA BURANA ran from April 12-April 14th at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. It was by far the best theatrical experience bringing together two of Orlando's best. CARMINA BURANA featured Orlando Ballet and the choir and orchestra of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. Choreographed by Robert Hill and Conducted by John V. Sinclair, the production featured 150 chorus members, the full company of Orlando Ballet, and more than a 50 person orchestra.

What was created can only be described as breathtaking. Prior to the actual performance, video footage shows the collaboration and rehearsals between the two groups. It was a fitting match between the talented group of singers and musicians coupled with the artistic dancers from Orlando Ballet. Under the direction of two fearless directors, both parties committed to perform this mega orchestral piece. This production of CARMINA BURANA combined awe-inspiring audio with a visual representation that the audience could not only see and hear, but also feel.

It begins with the very first note. The percussionist wails on the bass drum, the chorus sings their first "O" in double Forte, the dancers run onstage, and it hits the audience at once. So much sound as the 150 member chorus is all on stage facing the audience. It continues, chills run up the spine as the pace intensifies and the dancers step with intentional fury. By the end of the first piece, the audience screams with delight knowing that this piece defines the quality of art in Orlando. A hidden gem that most visitors to the city willingly ignore.

The piece continues through Spring, In the Meadow, In the Tavern, in The Court of Love, and concluding again with O Fortuna. While the audience has no idea what the lyrics actually are (since it is a series of cantatas in Latin and other old European languages), there is no need for comprehension thanks to the interpretation from the dancers.

Director and choreographer Robert Hill did not want a direct interpretation in response to the music, instead his choreography matched the grandiose themes or the quiet subtle tones. Some of the choreography added beats that complemented the audio. There was a good balance, so neither dance nor music overpowered each other.

Within CARMINA BURANA were solo singers Anton Belov (Baritone), John Daniecki (Tenor), and Julia Foster (Soprano). Also of note was the standout solo by Arcadian Broad, Orlando Ballet's 16-year old prodigy. It is a wonder why more productions like this do not occur often.

The performance concluded with a special encore of Happy Birthday sung by the entire audience to Orlando performing arts philanthropist Harriet Lake, who celebrated her 91st Birthday at the April 12th performance.

For more about Orlando Ballet visit www.orlandoballet.org, and for more about the Bach Festival Society visit http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ballet

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