arts & entertainment

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is a singular giant among choral compositions. Based on 24 medieval poems, it blends intense choral power with simple, driving melodies, evoking themes of fate, fortune, and earthly pleasure. The rhythmic, secular cantata is characterized by its primitive energy, raw emotion, and dramatic structure. And now, Vero Beach has a chance to experience it. At 7:30 PM on Tuesday, April 14, the Vero Beach Choral Society will present Carmina Burana at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts, 1895 St Edwards Drive in Vero Beach, 32963.

Easily one of the most electrifying and recognizable choral-orchestral works ever composed, the monumental Carmina Burana features a large chorus, orchestra, and soloists. The performance will bring together professional instrumentalists and soloists, along with the combined voices of the Vero Beach Choral Society and the Indian River Charter High School Choir, all under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig. Soprano Lisa Eden, along with baritone Dr. Anthony Baron will be the evening’s featured soloists, during the one-hour concert with no intermission. Carmina Burana’s “O Fortuna,” has been used to great effect in films, movie trailers, and commercials, often to heighten dramatic or epic moments. It gained mainstream media prominence beginning with the 1981 film Excalibur and is sometimes used by sports teams to hype crowds. 

The nonprofit Vero Beach Choral Society has been thrilling audiences since its formation in 1984. Admission to Carmina Burana is $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available at www.VeroBeachChoralSociety.org and at the door. For more information, call 772-217-5470.       

From the thunderous opening of “O Fortuna,” to its exuberant celebrations of the joys of life, the 1935 cantata by Carl Orff excites like no other choral work. That sentiment is echoed by Dr. Jacob Craig, well-known pianist and arts figure on the Treasure Coast, who also serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Vero Beach Choral Society.

“This is a towering work,” said Dr. Craig. “Whether you’re listening to it, performing it or conducting– Carmina Burana is an unforgettable experience.”

The Vero Beach Choral Society’s Carmina Burana is one of two major concerts performed yearly by the auditioned group. Singers who wish to join the organization can apply online at www.verobeachchoralsociety.org.

ABOUT THE SOLOISTS:

Lisa Eden, Soprano has appeared in concert and recital at major venues including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the

Baltimore Basilica. She has performed with the Los Angeles Opera in the Grammy Award-winning production of The Ghosts of Versailles and made her Milan debut as Violetta in La Traviata. Praised by The Washington Post for her “warm, velvety tone and dignified presence,” Eden is a two-time Grammy Award winner and recipient of top honors at the Meistersinger Competition in Graz and the NATSAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition. More about Lisa Eden is available on her website at www.LisaEden.com.

Dr. Anthony Baron, Baritone, currently serves as Chorus Master for Vero Beach Opera. In addition to this role, he serves as Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church and School. Previous appointments include being on the teaching faculties of Nazareth College, University of Rochester, Cranbrook Schools, and Saint Edward’s School. Previous performing credits include leading roles in Le nozze di Figaro, Dialogues of the Carmelites, and La Traviata. He is the 2013 Music Teacher’s National Association National Young Artist Winner in Voice. Anthony is a graduate of Westminster Choir College and the Eastman School of Music.

ABOUT THE VERO BEACH CHORAL SOCIETY — The nonprofit Vero Beach Choral Society has been making beautiful choral music and thrilling audiences since its formation in 1984. The auditioned, community-based ensemble performs choral art music from the Renaissance through the 21st Century. The mission of the Vero Beach Choral Society is to perform high quality choral music for the enjoyment, enrichment and education of the residents of the Treasure Coast of Florida. Singers of all ages are encouraged to audition for the group, which rehearses on Monday evenings. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit relies on community support to fund its musical performances and the annual Young Musician’s Scholarship for students in grades 6-12. From concerts in Europe to the prestigious Carnegie Hall, the 30-member VBCS is committed to making a difference through music. The Vero Beach Choral Society is at home at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach, Florida, 32960. For more information about the Vero Beach Choral Society and its performing season, visit www.VeroBeachChoralSociety.org, call 772-217-5470 or connect with them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VBChoralSociety. 

ABOUT DR. JACOB CRAIG, Artistic Director & Conductor
Dr. Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Piano Performance degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA before moving on to Tallahassee, FL to receive his M.M. in Choral Conducting and Literature under Dr. Andre Thomas at Florida State University. In 2019, Jacob completed his Doctorate of Sacred Music in Performance at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Oxford University. Dr. Craig is also the Director of the ACTS Choristers, Sea Oaks Chorus, John’s Island Singers, and Silver Tones community choirs, and Pipe Major for the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.