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RSNO Come and Sing: Carmina Burana

Across the world, Come and Sing events have become a remarkable musical phenomenon. From cathedral naves and concert halls to community centres and universities, singers of all ages and abilities gather – often for a single day – to rehearse and perform major choral works together. These occasions strip music-making back to its most elemental and joyful form: people coming together, united by curiosity, enthusiasm and a shared love of singing. As composer and conductor John Rutter has observed, choral singing goes to ‘the heart of our humanity’, and it is this deeply human impulse – to connect, to communicate and to create collectively – that lies at the core of the enduring appeal of Come and Sing events.

Long before concert halls and printed scores, people sang together to mark rituals, tell stories and strengthen social bonds. Singing in a group requires listening as much as projecting, breathing together as well as individually, and responding instinctively to those around us. In doing so, it fosters empathy, focus and a shared sense of purpose – qualities that feel increasingly precious in a fast-paced, fragmented world. The act of raising one’s voice alongside others can be both grounding and exhilarating, reminding us that music is, first and foremost, a social art.

Three generations of one family at Come and Sing in 2024. Credit: David Miller

For countless people across the globe, choral singing is woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Weekly rehearsals provide not only musical challenge but continuity, companionship and belonging. Choirs exist in schools, workplaces, faith communities and neighbourhoods, offering spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together on equal terms. In these settings, music becomes a shared language—one that bridges generations and experiences. The endurance of choral traditions worldwide is testament to their ability to nurture connection, resilience and joy through collective endeavour.

Come and Sing events distill all of these qualities into an intense and memorable experience. There is a particular thrill in arriving – often among strangers – and, within the space of a single day, working towards a complete performance of a major choral work. Freed from the long arc of weekly rehearsal schedules, participants are invited to immerse themselves fully in the music, learning quickly and listening deeply. Supported by professional conductors, orchestras and soloists, singers are given access to repertoire and performance contexts that might otherwise remain out of reach, all while retaining a spirit of openness and inclusivity.

It is within this rich tradition that the RSNO’s Come and Sing Carmina Burana takes its place. Conducted by Chorus Director, Stephen Doughty, and hosted in the impressive surroundings of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the event brings together musicians of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, RSNO Chorus, soloists Alison McNeill (Soprano), Christian Schneeberger (Tenor) and Phil Gault (Bass), and an extraordinary gathering of over 900 singers. Participants are travelling from across Scotland and from as far as Tipperary and North Carolina, drawn by the opportunity to be part of something ambitious, bold and celebratory. The scale of the occasion promises not only musical impact, but a powerful sense of shared achievement.

Come and Sing 2024. Credit: David Miller

And why Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana? This is in fact a popular choice for such events around the world. Its visceral rhythms, direct harmonic language and striking contrasts make it instantly engaging for singers and audiences alike. From the explosive opening of O Fortuna to moments of lyricism and earthy humour, the work demands physicality, commitment and fearless expression. Massed voices amplify its elemental power, allowing singers to experience the exhilaration of sound on a grand scale while inhabiting music that is unapologetically bold and theatrical.

As the day approaches, anticipation builds – not just for the performance itself, but for the act of coming together. For many participants, this will be a rare chance to sing in such numbers; for others, a reaffirmation of a lifelong love of choral music. For all involved, it represents a moment when individual voices merge into a single, resonant whole. In that shared breath and collective sound lies the enduring magic of communal singing—and the reason Come and Sing events continue to inspire, unite and uplift singers around the world.