CARMINA BURANA TO BE PERFORMED AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY ON MAY 6 AT 8 P.M.

The William Paterson University Chorus and the William Paterson University Chamber Singers will present a spring concert featuring Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana" on Tuesday, May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on the University campus in Wayne. Admission is free.

Stephen Bryant, William Paterson University music professor and internationally recognized bass-baritone, will conduct the secular cantata by Orff, a German composer and music educator. "Carmina Burana," which means songs of Beuren, features harmonious poems comprised of religious, political, moral, erotic, Bacchic and satirical verses. The work is a 20th century piece with simple harmony, driving rhythm, and fundamental musical instincts that allow listeners to respond immediately.

Soloists for the concert include soprano Anna Rojas, tenor Thomas Courtright and baritone Terrance Murphy. Rojas is a recognized oratorio soloist who debuted with Du Page Opera Theatre in the opera "Die Zauberflöte" as the Queen of the Night. Courtright is an alumnus of William Paterson University and SUNY Purchase whose performances include opera, oratorio and musical theatre. Noted roles for Courtright include Alfred in "Die Fledermaus," Don Ottavio in "Don Giovanni" and tenor soloist in Handel’s "Messiah" and Haydn’s "Creation." Murphy, winner of both the New Jersey Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and the Annamaria Saritelli Dipanni Bel Canto Vocal Scholarship Competition, recently made his debut at Carnegie Hall as Quinault in "Adriana Lecouvreur." Rosetta Bacon and Dalia Sakas will accompany the work on piano.

Additionally, the William Paterson University Chamber Singers will perform works by Liszt, des Prez, Stanford and Hairston.

For further information call William Paterson’s Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.

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For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966

4/30/03