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Carmina Burana, described as the brilliant, vivacious, frenetic and passionate choral masterpiece by Carl Orff, will be performed by the Choral Union in May, under the direction of Stephen B. Wilson, Performing Arts Department.

Last performed at SUNY Cortland in 1992, this year’s production will include three professional soloists, a battery of percussion instruments and two pianos, plus a large mixed chorus and two smaller choruses. 

“We invite all singers from the campus to come out of the woodwork and join the Choral Union on Monday nights,” said Wilson. Practices are held at 7 p.m. in Dowd Fine Arts Center, Room 108, beginning Monday, Jan. 24.

“A special invitation is extended to men, who will sing several robust selections by themselves as well as joining the women throughout the work,” explained Wilson. “One of the most memorable moments from this lusty piece is the “In Taberna” scene, a drinking song to end all drinking songs. As the selection builds in excitement, volume and debauchery, the pace quickens to the point of near madness.”

Ithaca resident Karen Dumont, soprano, and baritone Steven Stull will make their debut performances on the stage of the Dowd Fine Arts Theater. Stull performed in Cortland in April 2010, singing the role of Christ in The Arts At Grace/Choral Union performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Both are active singers in great demand.

Piano accompaniment will be provided by Edward Moore, Performing Arts Department, and Alan Giambattista, a noted harpsichordist who has performed with many orchestras in New York and on the east coast and has been the Choral Union’s pianist for several years.

There is no audition required to join the Choral Union, and music will be provided free of charge.

For more information, contact Wilson by e-mail or at (607) 753-4615.