St John Passion

« The St John Passion has moments of sublime spirituality in conjunction with moments of raw drama, and it is the tension and eventual resolution of these two elements that make the work one of the essential pillars of western art. »

Paul Agnew

Following on from William Christie in 2019, Paul Agnew will direct this work which has remained thoughout time one of the highest peaks of spirituality in the history of western music…

In our performances Paul Agnew will both sing the Evangelist and direct the performance, marrying these two roles to create what I hope will be a seamless musical experience going to the heart of Bach’s intentions in this wonderful music. The St John Passion is much shorter and more succinct than the later passion setting to the Gospel of Matthew but not in any way less dramatic. If anything the speed at which the drama unfolds captivates the listener, and transports him from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem in the opening chorus, through Christ’s capture in the garden, his trial, condamnation and crucifixion, with the choir constantly present, acting both as commentator and as participant in its representation the angry crowd.