As part of the THEATERSOMMER Idar-Oberstein, the choirs of the Obere Nahe church district under the direction of Roland Lißmann will present the event "Carmina Burana & Spark" on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 6 pm in the Idar-Oberstein Municipal Theatre. Carl Orff's monumental Carmina Burana meets the soundscapes of the band Spark, creating an extraordinary musical experience between tradition and modernity.
Under the overall musical direction of long-time district cantor Roland Lißmann, different generations and musical styles come together. The famous choral cycle Carmina Burana will be performed in a classical setting with cross-generational choirs, soloists, two pianos and a percussion ensemble. Spark adds a special artistic touch to the concert. The multi-award-winning band introduces thematic interjections in their characteristic sound language and thus sets unexpected accents within the traditional framework. With over 40 instruments on stage, Spark is known for its creative combination of classical music with modern elements.
Carmina Burana, one of the most important choral works of the 20th century, is based on medieval texts and is particularly world-famous for its impressive opening chorus "O Fortuna". The combination with Spark's experimental sound world creates an exciting musical bridge between past and present. The soloists are Thomas Gropper, Gerrit Illenberger (both baritone), Stephan Schlögl (tenor) and Isabella Gantner (soprano). Thomas Layes and Andreas Rothkopf will perform the piano parts, while the percussion ensemble was put together by Achim Seyler. In addition to the choirs of the Obere Nahe church district, the children's choir of the Paul-Schneider-Gymnasium from Meisenheim and the Abteispatzen Offenbach will be singing.
- The THEATERSOMMER is an event organized by the city of Idar-Oberstein. It is supported by Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld, Effgen Schleiftechnik, OIE AG, the Bürkle Foundation and the Ministry for Family, Women, Culture and Integration. All information is available at www.idar-oberstein.de/kultur, tickets at www.ticket-regional.de and at the associated advance booking offices.