ASO to present 2 modernist masterpieces

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will present two powerful 20th-century masterpieces in one special concert.

The ASO will perform “Carmina Burana” and “The Rite of Spring” in the Jemison Concert Hall at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19, at 7 p.m. Carlos Izcaray, the ASO’s musical director, will conduct.

“Carmina Burana” was written by Carl Orff in 1935, and “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky in 1913, but both pieces exert a power over contemporary audiences and are often used in movie and TV scores. 

“Carmina Burana,” a cantata featuring bawdy choruses and beautiful arias, is based on a collection of irreverent medieval poems dealing with such topics as lust, drinking and gambling.

The ASO large-scale production of Orff’s work will feature a soprano, countertenor and baritone; the ASO Chorus; and choirs from UAB, The University of Montevallo and Samford University, as well as the Birmingham Boys Choir.

The ASO is presenting “The Rite of Spring” for the first time since 2001, according to a symphony spokesperson.

Stravinsky wrote “The Rite of Spring” for a dance choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, but the avant-garde music has achieved great popularity as a concert piece.

For tickets, go to alabamasymphony.org.