Carmina Burana is something fantastically epic.  Ron Cunningham’s hypnotically acclaimed performance returns to Sacramento this weekend.  Everyone should check this out.

Meaning “Songs from Beuern,” the origins of Carmina Burana derive from a series of western medieval poems.  These poems range in theme, from expressions of love and devotion, to sorrow and mourning.  Ron’s rendition of Carmina showcase these over-branching themes as the artists on stage dance the smoothly transitioned ballads, ever transforming the senses and perceptions of the audience to ancient portrayals of the human psyche.

One story in particular, a segment made famous by composer Carl Orff, was the story of O Fortuna.  Fortuna was the Roman goddess of fortune and luck.  Depending on fate, the goddess may grant you luck or ill news.  Within the poem Fortuna governs the circle of the four stages of life, the Wheel of Fortune.

In the performance, Miss Isha Lloyd plays the goddess Fortuna, as she appears from a shroud of fog, lifted onto the wheel of fate with what seems to be an assembly of ritualistic worshipers.  The magnificent ceremony is further heightened by the grandiosely vocal live chorus, chanting Orff’s climatic cantana, together with the ambiance of a heart-pounding orchestra.

Consistently again, Sacramento Ballet delivers an extraordinary memorable performance, so precisely choreographed as to give the viewers a great and enduring spectacle.  We should be very grateful to have such a wonderful community here in Sacramento.

Special thanks to Miss Alexandra Cunningham and artistic directors Carinne Binda and Ron Cunningham for giving me the opportunity to shoot the rehearsal.

Shows will run from Thursday March 27th through March 30th at the Sacramento Community Theater.  For tickets and more information check out Sacramento Ballet HERE.