Conductor Raymond Janssen, together with the International Symphony Orchestra from Lviv and the national choir of Ukraine 'Dumka', signs for a grand performance of the 'Carmina Burana'. In 2019, this concert series drew full houses and broke all records. It is not for nothing that the Carmina Burana - partly thanks to the world-famous 'O Fortuna' - is one of the most popular pieces of music in the world. Over 130 musicians performed the musical masterpiece by composer Carl Orff and the public interest was massive. Surveys among the public showed that the company was appreciated with a 9.2. An appreciation to be proud of! A reprise in 2021 was therefore inevitable. On Friday November 12, the Carmina Burana will come to Mainstage in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Enjoy every moment that brings happiness. This message is the central theme of the 'Carmina Burana', a musical masterpiece by composer Carl Orff. In the 13th century, itinerant monks and students - in response to the strict and pious ideals of the Church - sang about the pleasures of love, drink and the life of a wanderer. Orff used their Latin and German lyrics as the basis of his 'Carmina Burana' and was inspired by various musical sources. The result is a powerful and rousing piece of music full of propulsive rhythms. Partly thanks to the exceptional choral and orchestral line-up, this makes every performance an intense experience. The most famous piece from Carmina Burana is without a doubt 'O Fortuna'. It reached iconic status in 2020 and has been used in dozens of commercials, as the basis for contemporary hits and was used in films such as Excalibur and The Doors. Conductor Raymond Janssen presents an overwhelming version of this spectacular number during his performance of the Carmina Burana, which immediately forms the highlight of the concert. The character of the music – majestic and imposing – ensures an unforgettable afternoon or evening in any case. The Carmina Burana is a scenic cantata for soprano, tenor, baritone, large choir and orchestra and specially written for an extensive section of special percussion instruments. Both the lyrics and the exceptional orchestration of the Carmina Burana are unique and also rich in humour. The prologue, the magisterial choral work Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi, is also the closing chorus, completing the circle.

Orchestra and choir
The majestic masterpiece will be performed under the direction of Raymond Janssen by the orchestra with the passionate musicians of INSO Lviv and the Ukrainian national choir 'Dumka'. This professional choir is known worldwide for their unique choir sound. The orchestra consists exclusively of young, very gifted and passionate musicians. This orchestra has also built up a good reputation in the Netherlands. In 2018, among other things, with a spectacular performance of 'The Star Wars Suites' by composer John Williams and for a grand Christmas concert in Het Concertgebouw. The initiator of this special concert series in the Netherlands is composer, pianist and conductor Raymond Janssen. He is no stranger to the world of classical music and has earned his spurs when it comes to original and high-quality concerts. Janssen is primarily a specialist in the field of Eastern European top musicians. Time and time again he succeeds in bringing complete symphony orchestras and choirs in spectacular line-ups to countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Belgium. His efforts were awarded in November 2018 during a special performance in The Concertgebouw with a cultural award from Romania, which was presented by the ambassador of that country. An important incentive for Janssen to continue with the realization of unique concerts. The tour of the 'Carmina Burana' is a good example of this.