Julia Henry

11/18/14
Dr. Brown
Music Review: Carmina Burana

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The concert I will be reviewing took place last month, but Im still left with the same
amount of inspiration then that day. Back In October 10, 2014 I went to see Carmina Burana,
Conducted by Jacques Lacombe, along with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and the
Westminster Symphonic Choir. Along With Soprano Aline Kutan, Tenor Jean-Francis
Monvoisin, and Baritone Jonathan Beyer. This concert took place at the New Jersey Performing
Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. This new Performing Arts building was opened in
the month of October 1997 in Downtown Newark. Downtown there are every few beautiful and
developed buildings, and this new Performance building is the main attraction. The concert was
held at 7 pm making it the perfect evening concert.
Before they started to play Carmina Buana, the Conductor Jacques Lacombe opened the
First Half with Pieces by Debussy Featuring the Women from Symphonic Choir and the New
Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Even though the only thing advertised to be played was Carmina
Burana I enjoyed the light opening of Debussy. They opened with The Nocturnes for Orchestra
and Womens choir, including the Nuages (clouds), Ftes (Festivals), and
Sirnes (Sirens). Not only was it special to walk into this beautiful building and hear a live
orchestra conducted by World famous Conductor, but I got to see the potential of my colleagues

on stage. It solidify the fact that Westminster Choir College is a wonderful place and the prove it,
I just witnessed the people I see everyday singing Professionally in the real world, and I loved
every second. Going off my proud mother rant, the Debussy showed off the light and beauty
especially of the choir before rolling into the heavy duty Music of Carmina. Also, it built the
suspense and left us craving for the opening O Fortnua to come. There are many pieces to the
Camrina Burana and these pieces are mostly bawdy, irreverent, or satirical stories and poems
written by scholarly students. This collection of Twenty-four poems in Carmina Burana were to
music by Orff.
The presence of the performers alone was just remarkable and impressive, but once they
opened their mouths the feeling in the room was completely different. It was peaceful and
beautiful. Especially once the featured soloists started to sing there wasnt a dry eye in the house.
It was like you could almost hear everyone thoughts questioning if it was even possible for a
human to hit those kind of notes. I was simply starstruck by the talent, and even more excited for
the opportunities that someday Ill be able to take part it.
Without a doubt the Conductor Jacques Lacombe who seemed to create pure magic with
just a wave of his hand, along with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Choir, and
the featured soloists made an impact not just on me, but thousands. This performances can truly
be described as life changing. With that said I strongly encourage anyone and everyone of all
ages to lookout for performances with these performers, or any performances in general held at
the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, because you will not regret it.