One of the greatest and most moving works in music history takes centre stage as Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion is performed to mark the 300th anniversary of its first performance in Leipzig on Good Friday, 11 April 1727.
Bach’s St Matthew Passion is a monumental work for soloists, choir and orchestra, and is regarded as one of the pinnacles of Western classical music. Through the Evangelist’s narration, powerful choral movements, arias and chorales, Bach creates a musical portrayal of the suffering and death of Jesus, bringing together drama, intimacy and contemplation.
The music encompasses both grand and intensely personal moments, as well as a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that has made the work timeless. From the dramatic choral movements to the beautiful arias and heartfelt chorales, St Matthew Passion demonstrates Bach’s extraordinary ability to give musical depth to both text and narrative.
Shunske Sato conducts the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, joined by an outstanding ensemble of soloists and the Valen Vocal Ensemble. Daniel Johanssen takes the role of the Evangelist, while Halvor Meilen sings the role of Jesus.
Subscribers to the Classical Series receive a 40% discount on this concert.
Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach:
St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)
Performers
Shunske Sato, conductor
Evangelist: Daniel Johanssen, tenor
Jesus: Halvor Meilen, bass
Soloists (Choir I)
Yerin Läuchli, soprano
Kristin Hammarström, alto
Soloists (Choir II)
Ditte Marie Bræin, soprano
Mari Askvik, alto
Christopher Fischer, tenor
Håvard Stensvold, bass
Valen Vocal Ensemble
ORGANISER
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra
