The Nashville Ballet will perform “Carmina Burana” Feb. 21-24 at the Touhill Center at UMSL. (Photo by Marianne Leach)
An ambitious production that’s taken years of planning will finally get its unveiling this month at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Dance St. Louis and UMSL’s College of Fine Arts and Communication have put together a masterpiece production of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” considered one of the most popular and epic pieces of music ever written.
The performance is the result of a rare collaborative effort between students, faculty and professional players. The production will bring together Nashville Ballet, UMSL’s University Orchestra and University Singers, Bach Society of Saint Louis and St. Louis Children’s Choirs. The show will feature live music and dance and involves more than 200 performers.
“It’s our biggest undertaking ever,” said James Richards, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and conductor of the University Orchestra. “To bring all of this together is quite astounding. We see this as a tremendous student opportunity.”
The show will have a three-night run and a matinee. Show times are 8 p.m. Feb. 21, 22 and 23, and 2 p.m. Feb 24 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. Tickets are $35-$55. UMSL student and employee discounts are available for this performance.
The evening’s opening piece will be “Bach Cantata No. 10” performed by UMSL’s University Orchestra and University Singers and Bach Society of Saint Louis with original choreography by Dance St. Louis’ Michael Uthoff and performed by MADCO, the dance company in residence at UMSL.
“This production is a unique collaboration that draws on the home-grown talent of our students and faculty, the professional artistry of our presenting partners, the Nashville Ballet as guest artists, and the extraordinary facilities and staff of the Touhill Performing Arts Center,” Richards said.
Ameren is Dance St. Louis’ 2012-2013 season presenting sponsor. Dance St. Louis is supported by the Arts and Education Council, Missouri Arts Council, St. Louis Regional Arts Commission, Mid-America Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts.
Media coverage:
“Cityscape” on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Magazine
The Tennessean
West End Word
