Carmina Burana by candlelight

An intimate choral explosion of fate, passion, and medieval poetry — in an atmospheric church in the heart of the Mayfair. 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, all surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.

This London 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 (doors will open 30 mins prior to the scheduled start time and late entry is not permitted)

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.

PROGRAMME

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.

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.