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