In 1724, for his first Easter in charge of music in Leipzig, Bach presented a new work for the Good Friday liturgy, St John Passion. 300 years later, the impact of its magnificent choruses, poignant solo arias and rich orchestral texture, remains as strong as it must have been on that first occasion. Bach interprets the theatrical drama of the story and the emotional depth of the characters like no other. It makes for a profound musical experience regardless of belief.

Jeffrey Skidmore’s insightful approach takes us closer still to Bach’s day by incorporating motets, chorale preludes, readings and congregational hymns.

Symphony Hall’s Good Friday Bach Passion is a tradition that stretches back over 30 years. For much of that time it has been safe in the hands of Birmingham’s stellar early music group Ex Cathedra, hailed by the New York Times as “one of Britain’s very best choirs”.

Sung in German with English surtitles

Ex Cathedra is an Associate Artist of B:Music