Carmina Burana
ESO Classics

Carmina Burana

Conducted by Jean-Marie Zeitouni
May 22 – 24, 2026 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM

About The Concert

“O Fortuna!” sings the chorus, and Carmina Burana starts its bold and passionate journey from fate, to love, to the fleeting nature of life. Based on medieval poetry, it is music of power and spectacle, and is irresistibly familiar from its use in films, commercials, video games, and even at sporting events.

Ravel’s stunning orchestration of his Daphnis et Chloé Suite is a lush musical adventure full of Impressionist colour and instrumental daring. You’ll also experience the world premiere of an exciting new orchestral work by prize-winning Canadian composer Julien Bilodeau.

This concert will include an intermission.

Prelude

Patrons of this event are invited to attend a prelude presentation before this concert on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, starting at 6:45 PM in the Upper Circle Lobby (3rd Floor). This talk by Aaron Au is a fantastic way to learn more about the pieces being performed in your concert.

Program

ORFF
Carmina Burana
RAVEL
Daphnis et Chloé: Suite No. 2
JULIEN BILODEAU
“On Freedom” (Text by Kahlil Gibran)
World premiere of an ESO Commission

Program subject to change.

Featured Artists

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Conductor & Music Director
Phillip Addis, Baritone
Korora (Scott Leithead and Kitbielle Pasagui, conductors)
Òran (Kathleen Luyk and Susan Farrell, conductors)
Shumayela (Kitbielle Pasagui and Daniel Browne, conductors)
YAVIR Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton (Viatcheslaw (Slava) Morozow, conductor)

Hear music from this concert

96 - Classics Series Descriptions

About ESO Classics

ESO Classics are dynamic and engaging concerts that feature the most memorable orchestral pieces. This masterworks series is our flagship and showcases the greatest symphonic masterpieces in classical music. From Bach and Handel in the Baroque period and Mozart and Beethoven in the 18th century Classical period, all the way to 21st century contemporary composers, this series encompasses the best of classical music. Our world-class musicians are joined by some of the most talented soloists from around the world, delivering unparalleled performances of these illustrious works. Let the timeless beauty of live classical music enrich and transport you!