An elemental celebration of earth, fire, and storm. Veljo Tormis’s Raua Needmine (Curse Upon Iron) invokes ancient Estonian incantations; Gilda Lyons’ Momotombo channels volcanic power; and Eric Whitacre’s Cloudburst unleashes a choral thunderstorm with bells, thunder sheets, and clapping rain. The program culminates in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a thunderous celebration of fate, fortune, and desire, whose unforgettable O Fortuna remains one of the most exhilarating moments in music.

Gilda Lyons, Momotombo
Veljo Tormis, Raua Needmine
Eric Whitacre, Cloudburst
Carl Orff, Carmina Burana

Performers:

Musica Viva NY choir

Musica Viva NY soloists

Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, artistic director and conductor

Young People’s Chorus of New York City

Margaret Kampmeier & Nelson Padgett, pianists