Bach's St Matthew Passion
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- What you'll hear
- All about the music
Contemplative. Powerful. A bucket list concert.
Who’s on stage
Royal Northern Sinfonia are joined by the incredible Monteverdi Choir, all of whom are real experts in Bach’s music, with six singers stepping out of the choir for the solo spots, all skilfully guided by conductor Dinis Sousa.
What they’re playing
One big iconic work: Bach’s legendary St Matthew Passion, 300 years since it was first performed.
Need to know
Discounts: save if you’re under 17, aged 18 – 30, a classical first timer, or a group of 10 or more people. Check the details.
Running time: 3 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
What you'll hear
Johann Sebastian Bach St Matthew Passion
Who's playing it
Dinis Sousa conductor
Nick Pritchard Evangelist
Florian Störtz Jesus
Hilary Cronin soprano
Jone Martínez soprano
Alexander Chance countertenor
Matthias Dähling countertenor
Hugo Hymas tenor
Frederick Long bass-baritone
Monteverdi Choir
Royal Northern Sinfonia
What's happening in the music?
You can almost think of the St Matthew Passion as a sort of sacred opera, such is its dramatic intensity. Telling the final chapters of Jesus’ life, the piece is full of innovation. First it clocks in at around 3 hours, something unprecedented for Bach’s time and today allowing the listener a chance to take a step out of the modern world and sit with something truly profound. Second, Bach tries out a ton of novel ideas – using two orchestras and a chorus to create a sort of surround sound effect, while the Evangelist tells the story almost as if in real time, giving the piece a feeling of real emotional urgency. One not to miss.
Make the most of it
Tickets
Sunday 7 March 2027
From: £5.00 - £53.00