From its pulsating, restless opening to the tranquillity of the final chorus, Bach’s St John Passion draws us into the drama of Christ’s last days with utterly transfixing music. The opening chorus sets the mood. We are compelled to share the anger of the mob, to empathize with Pilate, and to feel the anguish of the solo arias. Poignancy is heightened by the sounds of the period instruments - not least in the tender agony of ‘Es ist vollbracht’ (It is finished).
This concert recreates elements of the Good Friday liturgy as Bach knew it, including the Jacob Handl motet Bach performed. There is a stunning motet commissioned by Ex Cathedra from Alec Roth, chorale preludes and organ improvisations. You are invited to join in from home with the hymns.
Sung in German with English and German subtitles.
The concert will be recorded live at Symphony Hall.
You can choose what you would like to pay from £9 to £79 - no matter which ticket price you choose you will have access to the same video of the full-length concert. Ticketholders can enjoy unlimited viewing until 6 June. It will be available across much of the world, so please share with family and friends who might not normally be able to attend our live concerts. Scroll down for booking information.
Ex Cathedra would like to thank the Continuo Foundation and the government's Culture Recovery Fund for their support in making this concert possible. Ticket income remains vital to covering the full costs.
It's very simple to access and book your ticket, just follow the instructions on our webpage.
The video of our concert will be available to you on this page from 4pm on Sunday 9 May until 6 June. Ticketholders will have unlimited access to watch the concert during this time.