An intimate, candlelit choral explosion of fate, passion, and medieval poetry — in an atmosphericKensington United Reformed Churchin the heart of London. Feel the fire of fate and the pulse of human desire in this chamber performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana — brought to life under the direction of world-renowned conductorRalph Allwood MBE DMus.

In this unique performance, the dramatic power of Orff’s music meets the artistry of theAllwood Choir— an elite ensemble of award-winning choral singers, each a member of some of the UK’s most distinguished vocal groups — alongside two exceptional soloists and piano and flicker of hundreds of candles.

This premiere offers a rare and intimate version of one of the most iconic works of the 20th century. A daring, visceral cantata based on 13th-century texts — part pagan, part sacred, part scandalous —Carmina Buranaspeaks to the eternal cycles of luck, lust, love, and loss.

Composed in 1935–36 and based on 24 poems from the medievalCodex Buranus, Orff’s explosive choral writing transformed these ancient verses into one of the most iconic works of the 20th century, opening with the thunderousO Fortuna, a hymn to the cruelty and unpredictability of fate.

This concert follows the traditional three-part structure:

1. Spring’s Awakening

2. The Tavern

3. The Court of Love

Framed by a dramatic prologue and epilogue that remind us, the wheel of fortune never stops turning.

This program is not affiliated with Schott's Music edition of the Carmina Burana composition by Carl Orff.

Description supplied by the event organiser.