With Bernstein’s "Chichester Psalms" and Orff’s "Carmina Burana", the well-disposed Vienna Chamber Orchestra, solo singers and the breathtaking Arnold Schoenberg Choir under Erwin Ortner generated enthusiasm.

The highlight of the evening was the explosive and well-prepared Schoenberg Chor. The seldom-performed works were not simply warmed over, but rigorously polished to a high shine; in some moments, they were new interpretations. The male chorus stood out with the most delicate pianissimo. The female voices shone through their beauty and soft, precise sound production.

Another strength of the choir was the presence which was shown in their attention to conductor Erwin Ortner. He capably directed the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Tölz Boys Choir (the outstanding soloist went unnamed, unfortunately), the soprano Anna Siminska, the baritone Artur Rucinski and the tenor Kenneth Tarver.

In the end, enthusiasm was written on all faces. FK

Translation by John Allan Moffatt.