Ex Cathedra: Good Friday - JS Bach's St John Passion

300 years after its first performance, Bach’s St John Passion remains as powerful and profound as it must have been in 1724. The human drama of the story - Pilate’s dilemma, Peter’s denial - plus the emotion of the characters makes this a compelling pilgrimage, whatever your belief. And then there is the supreme beauty of Bach’s music, heightened by the colours and poignancy of the period instruments - not least the majestic acceptance of ‘Es ist vollbracht’ (It is accomplished).

In this anniversary performance, we incorporate chorale preludes, motets, congregational hymns and readings to offer a richer experience of the Good Friday service as Bach knew it.

Sung in German with English surtitles.
Running time: approx. 3 hours, including a 30 minute interval.

Ex Cathedra is an Associate Artist at Town Hall and Symphony Hall (B:Music venues)