The O2 Launches Monumental Classics Series

The O2 Launches Monumental Classics Series

LONDON, April 29/PRNewswire/ --

- Series Launches January 2009 With Carmina Burana

- Seen by Over a Million People - First Time in the UK

- Creating a New Classical Experience

Today The O2, in collaboration with Art Concerts, launches Monumental Classics. Carmina Burana, the first in the new classical series, will take over The O2 on 17th January 2009. Never seen before in the UK but enjoyed by over a million people across the rest of the world Monumental Classics aims to take the classical music experience to a new level. Franz Abraham, the creator of the production, brings Carl Orff's masterpiece to life with over 250 performers - including the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brighton Festival Chorus and Youth Choir, as well as dancers, actors, and singers. The dramatic staging has been created by Walter Haupt, a long standing close friend of Orff himself, and features a giant set, previously only seen outside and in stadiums, sensational light projections and fireworks. Carmina Burana, the world's most popular piece of classical music, tells the story of the wheel of life and all that brings; love and lust, life and death, rich and poor, power and poverty. This production marks the first time the tale behind the music has been acted out along with the music. Franz Abraham's production of Carmina Burana was first launched in 1995 and has wowed audiences since, including a performance on Copacabana beach in Rio to an audience of 100,000 people. Abraham commented on his production coming to London: "The British public will never have experienced anything like this production of Carmina Burana. The breathtaking set, dramatic performances from both a world-class orchestra and choir, along with first class actors and dancers will leave many open mouthed. I have enjoyed seeing people moved by Carmina Burana across the world and it is only right that it is now experienced by a UK audience."

David Campbell, Chief Executive of AEG Europe, owners and operators of The O2 commented: "Carmina Burana at The O2 will be a totally new classical experience that will knock the senses. The arena will be transformed by the celebrated set and will offer music fans a classical concert like no other they will have witnessed before."

Carmina Burana will be followed soon by large scale productions of other major classics. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am from http://www.theo2.co.uk

Source: AEG Europe (O2 ARENA)

Contact: Lucy Ellison, +44(0)207-536-1625

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Profile: International Entertainment