NYCOS 30th Anniversary: Carmina Burana

21 Aug 2026 - 19:00. NYCOS 30th Anniversary: Carmina Burana. In 2026, the National Youth Choir of Scotland celebrates its 30th anniversary by returning to one of the most iconic choral works ever written: Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana .

This thrilling cantata, composed in 1935–36, sets 24 medieval poems from the Carmina Burana manuscript — bold, earthy and timeless texts exploring fate, springtime, love, celebration and the unpredictability of life. Orff’s music is instantly recognisable for its driving rhythms, powerful choral lines and vivid orchestral colour, framed by the world‑famous opening and closing movement, O Fortuna . *Carmina Burana* has become a cornerstone of the choral repertoire and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its raw energy and dramatic sweep. The programme will also include the world premiere of The World by Jay Capperauld, with text by Robert Louis Stevenson, and The Passing of the Year by Jonathan Dove.

One hundred and ten of Scotland’s finest young singers will be accompanied by two pianos and percussion, conducted by Christopher Bell, NYCOS Founder and Artistic Director. A landmark in NYCOS history. Thirty years ago, NYCOS began its journey with a performance of *Carmina Burana* in this version for two pianos and percussion.

It was an ambitious undertaking for a fledgling choir of just 62 singers, divided into double choir and with scarcely any tenors — “a miracle it happened at all,” as those involved recall. That performance set the tone for the ambition and musical excellence that would define the next three decades of NYCOS’s work. NYCOS has toured internationally to the USA, Sweden, Ireland, Germany and Hungary; performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Philharmonie de Paris; and appeared with major orchestras and festivals across Scotland and beyond.

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of exceptional youth choral singing with this exhilarating and unforgettable work. Tickets: Standard £20*/Concession £15/ Child £8*. Ground Floor Stalls - Row A - G - Level Access row H - S Raised seating bank.

Ist Floor Balcony - Lift and stairs access to this level - stepped seating. 2nd Floor Gallery - No lift access, steep steps - Not suitable for those with limited mobility. Please note, wheelchair accessible spaces are not available to book online. Please email or call the box office to book a wheelchair accessible space or for any other access requests/advice: OneRen_boxoffice@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1210.

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