Elmhurst Choral Union to perform Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ May 30

The Elmhurst Choral Union will present “Carmina Burana,” the dramatic cantata composed by Carl Orff, at its upcoming concert on Saturday, May 30.

Composed in 1936, “Carmina Burana” is based on a collection of medieval poems discovered in a Bavarian monastery. Joined by singers from Spirito and Fratelli, the mass choir will perform the powerful work with full orchestral accompaniment and professional soloists under the direction of artistic director Scott Uddenberg.

The work explores themes of fate and fortune, revelry, spring, and young love.

“Carmina Burana” is perhaps best known for its iconic opening movement, “O Fortuna,” which has become a staple of popular culture through its use in film, television, and advertising.

The concert will take place at 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.

Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, and $15 for youth ages 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased online through Elmhurst Choral Union’s website, elmhurstchoralunion.org, or at the door on the day of the concert.

Elmhurst Choral Union receives financial support from the Explore Elmhurst Grant Program, DuPage Foundation, Wurlitzer Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

In the fall, the Elmhurst Choral Union will return with two performances. On Saturday, Sept. 5, they will perform “Government Issue,” an oratorio by Illinois-based composer Michael Karasis. On Sunday, Dec. 20, they will put on “An American Christmas.”

For more information, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org or email info@elmhurstchoralunion.org.