MCS’ North Idaho Philharmonia to perform Carmina Burana
August 12, 2026
By Reader Staff
The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint and the North Idaho Philharmonia are diving into some of the world’s most recognizable classical music with a double performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The concerts will take place over two evenings at the Panida Theater (300 North 1st Ave., in Sandpoint): Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 19 with performances both nights starting at 7 p.m.
Carmina Burana is a famous 13th-century manuscript of 254 bawdy, satirical and secular poems written mostly by wandering scholars and clergy, called goliards. It is best known today through German composer Carl Orff’s dramatic 1936 cantata.
Maestro Yevgeniy Grechko. Courtesy photo
“With a monumental ensemble of orchestra, chorus and acclaimed soloists, this is music on an epic scale,” stated organizers in a press release.
The orchestra will be led by Maestro Yevgeniy Grechko, a conductor and cellist with broad international experience and a deep commitment to both orchestral and choral music. In collaboration with the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene, choral training was led by Emily Sana. Carmina Burana will feature soloists including MCS alumna and soprano Zoë Miller, tenor Logan Shevalier and baritone Max Mendez.
Emily Sana. Courtesy photo
In addition, the MCS Summer Academy second session Orchestra and Choir students will gain the experience of performing in this major stage production. Kent Kimball, whose expansive career in conducting has included numerous musical concerts in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Europe, has led the students’ training during their two-week orchestra intensive study.
Zoë Miller. Courtesy photo
“Audiences will not want to miss our epic, one hundred-piece combined orchestral and choral experience,” said MCS Director of Development Kathi Samuels. “From its thunderous opening with ‘O Fortuna’ to its soaring, unforgettable finale, this iconic masterpiece will fill the beautiful theater with a wall of sound that is both exhilarating and deeply moving.
Logan Shevalier. Courtesy photo
“These performers represent the best of our region, many of whom have participated in Handel’s Messiah, local schools and symphonies, and the Coeur d’Alene and Pend Oreille Chorales,” Samuels continued. “We are thrilled to welcome players and singers from Bonners Ferry to Spokane for such a definitive performance. We hope soon to be recognized as the premier community orchestra of the North Idaho Panhandle.”
Max Mendez. Courtesy photo
Tickets to the event are $28 for adults and $17.50 for students 12 and under and seniors 62 and over, thanks to the Avista Foundation’s sponsorship. Tickets may be purchased at panida.org or at the door the night of the show. Visit sandpointconservatory.org for more information.
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