The O2 arena's first venture into classical music has proved so popular that a second show of Carmina Burana will take place on Sunday 18th January 2009.

The concerts will be the first shows in The O2's Monumental Classics series that aim to take the classical music experience to a new level.

Franz Abraham, the creator of the production, will bring Carl Orff's masterpiece to life with over 250 performers including the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brighton Festival Chorus and Youth Choir, as well as dancers, actors, and singers.

The dramatic staging has been created by Walter Haupt, a long standing close friend of Orff himself, and features a giant set, sensational light projections and fireworks.

Carmina Burana tells the story of the wheel of life and all that brings; love and lust, life and death, rich and poor, power and poverty. This production marks the first time the tale behind the music has been acted out along with the music.

Franz Abrahams production of Carmina Burana was first launched in 1995 and has wowed audiences since, including a performance on Copacabana beach in Rio to an audience of 100,000 people.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 5th September from www.theo2.co.uk