Madison Symphony Orchestra

press release: The Madison Symphony Chorus and the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) join forces to deliver two monumental classical treasures, including the powerful Carmina Burana, in concerts Fri., Apr. 29, at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Apr. 30, at 8 p.m.; and Sun., May 1, at 2:30 p.m. in Overture Hall, 201 State Street.

Ottorino Respighi’s achingly beautiful Pines of Rome and Carl Orff’s colossal Carmina Burana provide a memorable ending to the 2015-2016 concert season. Carmina Burana will also feature vocal soloists Jeni Houser, soprano; Thomas Leighton, tenor; and Keith Phares, baritone; along with the Madison Symphony Chorus, directed by Beverly Taylor.

Ottorino Respighi’s moving tone poem Pines of Rome illustrates four distinct pictures through music, each one featuring the centuries-old pine trees common in the Roman landscape. Composed in 1924, Respighi’s score calls for a recording of a nightingale in the third movement, and contains one of the most stunningly beautiful melodies of the classical repertoire.

The epitome of “epic” music, Carl Orff’s spellbinding cantata Carmina Burana unites chorus and orchestra with rhythmic velocity and evocative lyrics. Premiered in 1937, Carmina Burana, meaning “songs from the Burana district,” is based on a collection of Latin texts dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Orff wrote the work in a straightforward, direct style meant to clearly convey basic themes of human experience.  John DeMain, conductor of the MSO, calls Carmina Burana a “soul-stirring experience you’ll never forget” and “one of classical music’s most popular treasures.”

One hour before each performance, Beverly Taylor, MSO Assistant Conductor & Chorus Director, will lead a 30-minute Prelude Discussion in Overture Hall to enhance concertgoers’ understanding and listening experience. More background on the music can also be found in the Program Notes at: http://www.madisonsymphony.org/carminaburana

Single Tickets are $16 to $85 each, available here, the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street or by calling the Box Office at (608) 258-4141.

Groups of 15 or more can save 25% by calling the MSO office at (608) 257-3734. For more information visit, www.madisonsymphony.org/groups. Student rush tickets can be purchased in person on the day of the concert at the Overture Box Office at 201 State Street. Students must show a valid student ID and can receive up to two $12 or $15 tickets. More information is at: www.madisonsymphony.org/studentrush. Students can receive 20% savings on seats in select areas of the hall on advance ticket purchases. Seniors age 62 and up receive 20% savings on advance and day-of-concert ticket purchases in select areas of the hall. Discounted seats are subject to availability, and discounts may not be combined.