Carmina Burana: Under the Open Sky
I Cantori di Carmel at the Forest Theater

Forget everything you think you know about classical music. Join I Cantori di Carmel and Music Director Daniel Henriks at the historic Forest Theater for an evening of raw power and cinematic wonder. Featuring over 130 musicians, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is a bucket list musical experience set under the stars and towering trees of Carmel.

Why You Can’t Miss This

The Music You Already Love: Even if you have never stepped foot in a symphony hall, you will recognize the pulse-pounding "O Fortuna." Heard in countless movies, commercials, and sports anthems, hearing it live with an intense choir and orchestra is a physical experience you have to feel to believe.

A Masterpiece Made in Carmel: While Carmina Burana is performed on the world's biggest stages, this is a uniquely local production. There is a special kind of energy that comes from a homegrown chorus of our neighbors and friends taking on a work of this magnitude. Our ensemble will lead the performance alongside world class soloists Ashley Fabian, Chris Mosz, and Ethan Vincent, with a special debut by our youth chorus, I Cantorini.

A Medieval Festival Atmosphere: We are turning the Forest Theater into a lively 13th-century carnival. Arrive 90 minutes early to wander through a world of traveling minstrels, song circles, and fortune tellers. These festivities bring to life the world of the "Goliards," the wandering poets who wrote the rowdy and romantic verses that make up the text of the show.

Picnics and Pinots: This is not a "sit still and hush" event. Pre-order a gourmet grazing box from Chic Charcuterique, bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a picnic in the forest while the music sweeps through the trees.

Plan Your Evening

Dates and Times:

Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM (Pre-show at 6:00 PM)

Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 PM (Pre-show at 6:00 PM)

Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM (Pre-show at 1:30 PM)

The Menu:
Elevate your evening with pre-ordered treats ready for pickup at the venue:

Charcuterie Grazing Boxes: $32

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: $14

Tickets for Everyone

General Admission: $57

Reserved/VIP: $77 (Includes premium seating and an exclusive post-concert reception)

Young Adults (Under 30), Students, Teachers, and Military: $21

Children (Under 12): $10

Secure your spot under the trees at icantori.org

Pro-Tips for the Forest Theater

Dress in Layers: Carmel nights are beautiful but can get chilly, so bring a blanket or your favorite cozy sweater.

Seating: General Admission is first-come, first-served. Arrive early to snag your favorite spot and enjoy the pre-show festivities.

Parking: Give yourself extra time to park and stroll into the woods.