I've been asked to reprise a performance I conducted last year of Carmina Burana.  We had about 60 singers in the chorus, and used the chamber score with two pianos and percussion ensemble of 5 (should be 6, but we made do with 5 and replaced the gong with a snare drum!!!).  This is for an outdoor festival (with fire dancers!). Many, though probably not all, of the singers and players have performed this together before...though the previous time was a little by the seat of our pants for a number of reasons I won't go into here, and I for one would welcome the chance to present a more polished performance (where, for example, we're not waiting for the stage to be built to hold rehearsals!)

 

My question is...how many rehearsals do you think this would take with the choir, the instrumental ensemble, and both combined?  And any idea what the conductor's fee would be?  Last time this was pretty much a labor of love.

This time we have a chance to have an actual, though not extravagant, budget.  I'm being asked what I would require financially to do this, and as I've never been quite in this position before, thought I'd ask fro help from the choralnet folks.  I came up with a rough idea of eight rehearsals with choir, two or three with full ensemble, and dress. (I"m also not counting any additional rehearsals with dancers besides the dress).  Most of the singers are of the caliber of a city symphony chorus and can expect to have their music learned by rehearsal time, (especially since most, if not all, of them performed last year).  Any feedback or ideas? This is in Oregon, BTW, not an area known for its high wages, though the organization contracting us is out of the Bay Area. 

 

Thanks!