St John Passion

We are set to hear one of the most intense and dramatic settings of the Passion story ever composed. Throughout this performance of Bach’s St John Passion, you should expect a striking contrast between the intimate, contemplative arias and the volatile energy of the choral sections representing the crowd. The music moves with great speed through the narrative, driven by the Evangelist’s storytelling. Listen for the way the woodwind instruments intertwine with the solo voices to heighten the emotional weight of specific scenes. Unlike the more expansive St Matthew Passion, this work is known for its lean, urgent pacing and theatrical directness. The evening is shaped by the transition from the opening orchestral turbulence to the profound stillness of the final chorale. The use of period instruments adds a distinct, translucent texture to the ensemble sound, allowing the inner lines of the counterpoint to remain clearly audible even during the most complex movements.

John Butt leads the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in this performance. The ensemble is celebrated for its commitment to historical performance practice, playing on period instruments to capture the soundscapes of the eighteenth century. Based in London, they have a long-standing reputation for bringing a sense of discovery to standard repertoire. They are joined by a cast of soloists including Hilary Cronin, Helen Charlston, Hugo Hymas, Nick Pritchard, Raoul Steffani, and Florian Störtz. These singers are all well-versed in the specific demands of Baroque vocal music, particularly the blend of clarity and expression required for Bach.

This performance takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall within London’s Southbank Centre. The concert has a scheduled running time of 120 minutes. It is a suitable choice if you are looking for a substantial sacred work that fits into a two-hour window. The venue is a modern concert hall with tiered seating, ensuring good sightlines to the stage for all attendees. There is no specific dress code for this event, and audiences generally wear a range of casual and smart-casual attire. You will find that the venue is situated in a central riverside location with various amenities nearby.