Based on medieval German poetry, Carmina Burana has it all: rhythmic and brooding choruses, lusty drinking songs, ballads cursing fickle lovers, and gleaming paeans to love.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus stars in this exhilarating showpiece—arguably the most iconic choral work of the 20th century.

Composed in 1935 and 1936 by Carl Orff and based on 24 poems, it was first performed at the Frankfurt Opera in 1937.

The San Francisco Symphony does not appear in this concert.

// 7:30pm Saturday, March 23 at Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center); tickets are available at sfsymphony.org.