Carl Orff's Carmina Burana at Philharmonie de Paris

This participatory concert at the Philharmonie de Paris invites amateur singers to join a day of transmission and exchange, culminating in a shared performance of Carl Orff's iconic Carmina Burana. Under the direction of Simon Halsey, the event brings together the Chœur de l'Orchestre de Paris and the Choeur d'enfants de l'Orchestre de Paris for a unique rendition of the work in its small ensemble version.

The piece, assembled by Orff after discovering authentic medieval poems in 1935, blends sacred and profane elements—prayers and bawdy table talk, melodic seduction and epic grandeur—in an irresistible secular cantata. The program features soloists Emy Gazeilles (soprano), Anthony Gregory (tenor), and Yannick Debus (baryton), with choral direction by Richard Wilberforce and several assistant choir masters.

Attendees can expect an immersive sonic experience that highlights the timeless appeal of Carmina Burana, from its famous "O Fortuna" to its celebration of spring, luck, and earthly pleasures. The concert offers a rare chance to hear the work in a format that emphasizes its magical charm and communal spirit.