The Minot Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Efrain Amaya, presents their season finale “The Wheel of Fortune” on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at MSU’s Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. The symphony will be joined by area choirs from Minot State University, Minot High School, Minot Chamber Chorale and the Western Plains Opera Company Children’s Choir for an unforgettable performance with over 250 choir members for Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Orff created this masterpiece illustrating man’s inevitable rise and fall on the great wheel of ‘fortuna’, based on medieval poetry published in 1847 by Johann Andreas Schmeller.

“You will not want to miss our season finale when we perform one of the most popular pieces of the classical music repertoire with choir: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff! We are thrilled to have Clara Rottsolk and David Guzm’n, who recently appeared in the Western Plains Opera Company’s production of Orpheus in the Underworld returning to Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, and for baritone Philip Zawisza to make his debut in the Magic City” said Amaya.

The evening will also feature three original works by Amaya. Maroon Dreams is three songs based on text by Susana Amundarain that evoke reveries of youth, ceremonial experience and dream states. Lilian and Leo is based on the true story of Leopoldo Lopez, a popular democratic leader in Venezuela, made prisoner on February 18, 2014 for calling the masses to protest in the streets, against widespread injustice. This story is about a visit from Leo’s wife, Lilian, his main center and support; and the floating uncertainty of having fallen into a trap, with very little hope. It’s a story that has seen multiple characters over the ages, and yet, it is current, relevant and in the news today. Ghismunda and Guiscardo tells the tale of the first lines of the Fourth Day – Novel I from the Decameron: Tancredi, Prince of Salerno, slays his daughter’s lover, and sends her his heart in a golden cup: she pours upon it a poisonous distillation, which she drinks and dies.

“The audience will experience the impossible love story of Ghismunda & Guiscardo, based on a story from the Decameron. They will also hear my miniature opera, Lilian & Leo, depicting the jailing of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Maroon Dreams for tenor and orchestra featuring the very talented David Guzm’n, will also make its North Dakota premiere.” Explains Amaya.

Join principal cellist, Erik Anderson, for “Music in 3-D,” a pre-concert lecture to help prepare concertgoers for a more complete listening experience with. The journey begins at 6:30pm and is included with your ticket. The symphony will partner with Arny’s 2.0 for a limited beer and wine beverage service for patrons age 21 and over following the pre-concert lecture as well as during intermission on the 4th floor. Funds raised will be used to support future programming.

Don’t miss the Minot Symphony Orchestra’s season finale, “The Wheel of Fortune.” Main floor tickets are $25 or $30 for balcony with senior and student discounts available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.minotsymphony.com or call 858-4228. Military tickets can be purchased at the MAFB ITT Office.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra that has been performing for over 90 years. Members of the symphony include area high school students, Minot State University students, Minot State University faculty, as well as community members from a wide variety of professions. The common thread among its musicians, is their love of music and performing.