Frome Voices will be performing a thrilling arrangement of the dramatic, well-known and much-loved ‘Carmina Burana’ by Carl Orff, on Sunday 13th March, 7.30pm at the Cheese and Grain.
In addition, the choir has revived a work that used to be immensely popular – ‘Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast’, by the Victorian composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
It tells the story of the celebration of Hiawatha’s marriage to Minnehaha, using the lovely words of Longfellow’s famous poem. For many years it was performed annually at the Royal Albert Hall in London but is rarely heard now – so a real treat for the audience in Frome.
Rehearsals are under way, with an enthusiastic choir led with great skill and humour by the conductor, Alan Burgess. Carmina Burana is challenging and powerful music – with lyrics based around themes of life and love, the coming of spring and the supreme role of the ever-turning wheel of Fortune – ‘Empress of the World’.
Frome Voices is a very special choir, this year consisting of about 125 members from across the local community. They range from experienced singers to those who have never tried choral singing before.
The concert will also involve members of Frome Youth Choir, and brilliant professional young soloists. The singers will be accompanied by two grand pianos and five percussionists. It will be a sound to raise the roof of the Cheese and Grain.
Posters and information are on display around the town. The striking designs for publicity material and images that will be used on the night are the outcome of an A-level graphics project carried out by talented Frome Community College students. Their creative work will also be on display at the event.
Tickets are on sale now at the Cheese and Grain, priced at £12, and free to under-18s.
