Saturday 6 April 2019
6.30pm
(please note the earlier than usual start time; ends 9.30pm approximately)
St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds
Bach St Matthew Passion
Robert Murray Evangelist / tenor
Graeme Danby Jesus
Fae Evelyn soprano
Valerie Reid mezzo-soprano
Tom Asher baritone
Suffolk Baroque Players
Boy Choristers of St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Bury Bach Choir
Philip Reed conductor
For this performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, the choir will be joined by five soloists of international standing, by Boy Choristers of St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Director of Music: James Thomas) and by the Suffolk Baroque Players.
The St Matthew Passion is, by common consent, one of the greatest sacred choral works ever composed. Bach himself seems to have cared for it as he did for no other work. Even by the standard of the Baroque passions, the St Matthew Passion is exceptional for its musical richness and its grand scope.
Relating the story of Jesus’s suffering and death, the variety and majesty of the music grabs the listener firmly by the shoulder and never lets go. Bach’s phenomenal imagination and skill are apparent throughout. The score, one of the most ambitious compositions of all time, calls for double orchestra and double choir – three choirs at one point. The musical textures range widely from complex counterpoint to simple hymns.
Bring or hire a cushion, and sit back for a memorable evening that will touch you on many levels, eventually culminating with one of the most beautiful laments ever written. For reserved seats you are advised to book early.
Booking opens 3 September 2018
Tickets £26 (reserved), £21 and £16 (unreserved)
Early booking discount £1 off all tickets booked by 28 February 2019
This concert is featured on www.concert-diary.com