Over the weekend of October 1-2, RLRS Students, Daxxtyn Williams, Averie Flewelling, and Tori White, along with Music Teacher, Erin Perkins Smith, joined 80 members of ChoralArt (a professional choir from Portland, directed by Robert Russell), guest singers from the Portland Community Chorus, and 80 members of high school choirs presented the world premier of Portland municipal organist James Kennerley’s transcription of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana for the Kotzschmar organ at Merrill Auditorium. James Kennerley was joined by four Boston-based percussionists, soprano soloist Molly Harmon, baritone soloist and Maine Public Classical host Aaron Engebreth.
The Kotzschmar organ’s 7,101 pipes replicated an entire symphony orchestra. World renowned organist, James Kennerly, exclaimed that this is the best organ he has ever played, and he has played many throughout the world.
“We (choral music educators in the state),” Erin Smith said, “got an email last spring about this opportunity, and I responded immediately.” Carmina Burana is a cantata, which is a medium-length narrative piece of music for voices with instrumental accompaniment, typically with solos, chorus, and orchestra, written by Carl Orff. The whole cantata was sung by Choral Art (an auditioned choir out of Portland), and the high school students and Portland Community Chorus joined in for eight of the pieces.
Erin added, “I had sung Carmina Burana twice in college (once with the New York Philharmonic and once with the Philadelphia Orchestra), and it has always been one of my favorite pieces. I knew I needed my students to experience this.”
RLRS junior, Tori White, said, “It’s not everyday that people get to sing at Merrill Auditorium, so it was a big deal. 10 out of 10.” Fellow RLRS junior Averie Flewelling agreed, “Performing at the Merrill has been a dream of mine since I was six years old. Finally being able to perform there was a huge accomplishment, and being on the stage, looking out at the audience, felt surreal.” Senior Daxxtyn Williams, summed it up: “It was a wondrous experience. I met so many new people and I was able to partake in something that will forever be a hallmark moment of my life.”
Erin enthused, “During our first rehearsal on stage with the organ and the percussion, I couldn’t even sing because I was too emotional. It brought back so many memories and reminded me of how much I love singing in a choir.”
A special shout out to Janice Adler. We wouldn’t have been able to have this awesome experience without Janice, who allowed us to stay in her loft just a few blocks from the venue.
