An intimate choral explosion of fate, passion, and medieval poetry — in an atmospheric St Albans Cathedral in the heart of St Albans. 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 conductor Ralph Allwood MBE DMus.

In this unique performance, the dramatic power of Orff’s music meets the artistry of the Allwood 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, live pipe organ and piano.

This St Albans 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 Burana speaks to the eternal cycles of luck, lust, love, and loss.

Composed in 1935–36 and based on 24 poems from the medieval Codex Buranus, Orff’s explosive choral writing transformed these ancient verses into one of the most iconic works of the 20th century, opening with the thunderous O Fortuna, a hymn to the cruelty and unpredictability of fate.This concert follows the traditional three-part structure:1. Spring’s Awakening2. The Tavern3. The Court of LoveFramed by a dramatic prologue and epilogue that remind us: the wheel of fortune never stops turning.Newly adapted from original manuscripts and arranged specifically for this space, the programme offers a bold and emotionally charged experience that reveals the inner intensity of Orff’s vision.Duration: 60 minutes

Age restriction: 6+

Doors open at least 30 minutes before the concert.

Out of respect for guests and performers, late entry may not be permitted. We cannot guarantee your original seats after the concert begins.

PROGRAMMEThis concert follows the traditional three-part structure:1. Spring’s Awakening2. The Tavern3. The Court of LoveFramed by a dramatic prologue and epilogue that remind us: the wheel of fortune never stops turning.

Musicians

This chamber version of Carmina Burana features:– 8-voice choir– 2 soloists– Live pipe organ

PERFORMERS

About Ralph Allwood MBE DMus

For 26 years Director of Music at Eton College, Ralph Allwood is one of the UK’s most celebrated choral directors, known for his transformative work with generations of singers. He is the founder of the Rodolfus Choral Courses and co-founder of the Junior Choral Courses, with over 14,000 alumni worldwide. Ralph has conducted more than 50 broadcasts for BBC Radio 3, founded the Rodolfus Choir (with over 22 acclaimed recordings), and led choirs in performances from Cambridge to Shanghai. His contributions to music and worship were recognised with the Thomas Cranmer Award, presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2017. Web: ralphallwood.com

Allwood Choir

Formed especially for this performance, the Allwood Choir brings together highly accomplished professional singers, many of whom are members of leading UK ensembles and internationally award-winning choirs. Known for their precision, blend, and expressive power, they embody the very best of the British choral tradition.

About venue

St Albans Cathedral is one of England’s most extraordinary historic landmarks, standing on the site of Britain’s first Christian martyr, St Alban. With over 1,700 years of history and origins dating back to the Norman era, the Cathedral is home to the longest nave of any cathedral in England and represents a remarkable blend of Norman, medieval, and Victorian architecture.

Inside, visitors are welcomed into a breathtaking space of soaring arches, intricate medieval wall paintings, magnificent stained-glass windows, and beautifully carved stonework. Flooded with natural light, the Cathedral’s vast interior creates an atmosphere of tranquillity, grandeur, and timeless beauty, offering an unforgettable setting for both worship and cultural events.

Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, St Albans Cathedral provides an inspiring venue for orchestral concerts, sacred music, chamber ensembles, organ recitals, and candlelit performances. The Cathedral’s magnificent proportions allow music to resonate with extraordinary warmth, clarity, and emotional depth, creating an immersive experience for performers and audiences alike.

Located just north of London in the historic city of St Albans, the Cathedral offers a venue where centuries of history, remarkable architecture, and outstanding music come together — a truly majestic setting for unforgettable live performances.

Description supplied by the event organiser.