Carmina Burana
Review written for the Westmorland Gazette by Michael Stocks
"Last Saturday, 26th June, the ‘Voices Raised’ project culminated in a brilliant performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ at the Kendal Leisure Centre. From the shattering sound of the bass drum and choir at the beginning to the very last note of the piece it was a truly memorable performance and deserved the audience’s standing ovation.
"The ‘Voices Raised’ project, devised by the Cumbria Choral Initiative and the Brewery Arts Centre, is an admirable example of innovative thinking and commitment. The Cumbria Choral Initiative is an excellent programme designed to encourage young people to enjoy choral singing as a life-long activity. Starting last October, ‘Voices Raised’ has taken the form of monthly workshops for young singers, working at the Brewery with national experts in a range of choral styles which have included Barbershop, Folk, Gospel and Music Theatre.
"For ‘Carmina Burana’ young singers from the area were joined by the New Millennium Chorus and the Cumbria Youth Orchestra. The soloists, Elizabeth Traill, Simon Morgan and Gabriel Gottlieb, largely overcame the acoustic limitations of the hall, enjoying the considerable vocal demands of their respective parts. Ian Jones, whose name (with typical modesty) did not appear on the programme, was chorus master, Ben Parry was a masterful conductor. He made full use of the commitment, discipline and range of skill of his performers, his every gesture supporting and encouraging them in what is, vocally and rhythmically, a demanding work. He gave all of them the confidence to exceed their own expectations and, consequently, those of a spellbound audience. The future of our cultural life lies within our young people and depends upon splendid initiatives such as this."
"Last Saturday, 26th June, the ‘Voices Raised’ project culminated in a brilliant performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ at the Kendal Leisure Centre. From the shattering sound of the bass drum and choir at the beginning to the very last note of the piece it was a truly memorable performance and deserved the audience’s standing ovation.
"The ‘Voices Raised’ project, devised by the Cumbria Choral Initiative and the Brewery Arts Centre, is an admirable example of innovative thinking and commitment. The Cumbria Choral Initiative is an excellent programme designed to encourage young people to enjoy choral singing as a life-long activity. Starting last October, ‘Voices Raised’ has taken the form of monthly workshops for young singers, working at the Brewery with national experts in a range of choral styles which have included Barbershop, Folk, Gospel and Music Theatre.
"For ‘Carmina Burana’ young singers from the area were joined by the New Millennium Chorus and the Cumbria Youth Orchestra. The soloists, Elizabeth Traill, Simon Morgan and Gabriel Gottlieb, largely overcame the acoustic limitations of the hall, enjoying the considerable vocal demands of their respective parts. Ian Jones, whose name (with typical modesty) did not appear on the programme, was chorus master, Ben Parry was a masterful conductor. He made full use of the commitment, discipline and range of skill of his performers, his every gesture supporting and encouraging them in what is, vocally and rhythmically, a demanding work. He gave all of them the confidence to exceed their own expectations and, consequently, those of a spellbound audience. The future of our cultural life lies within our young people and depends upon splendid initiatives such as this."
