Shay Ishii Dance Company presents ‘Carmina Burana’

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
April 15, 2011

The School of Music at Texas State University-San Marcos will present the Shay Ishii Dance Company’s performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana April 30 at the Hays Performing Arts Center in Kyle.

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature the Texas State Festival Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Babcock. Admission is free and open to the public.

This visceral cantata uses a collection of 12th century Goliardic poetry to depict the progression of life, love and lust in the human spirit. This performance will be based on Babcock's 2003 research study on the work's genesis and performance practice.

Babcock, an assistant professor of Texas State’s School of Music, will conduct more than 400 musicians, including the Texas State Symphony, University Singers, area high school students and the Hill Country Youth Chorus. Shay Ishii, the artistic director of the Shay Ishii Dance Company and publicity coordinator for Texas State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, will choreograph 20 dancers who will perform on stage and among the audience during the concert.

“I worked with Dr. Babcock in 2009. We had eight vocalists from Texas State moving and singing onstage with the dancers” Ishii said. “I think there will continue to be more collaborations. I know of multiple discussions for collaborative works next year.”

For more information about the SIDC or on the Carmina Burana performance, please call (512) 245-2147 or visit the SIDC website at www.shayishiidanceco.com.