Johannes Passion

Programme:

J.S. Bach - Johannes Passion

The St John Passion, composed in 1724 when the brand-new cantor Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), is undoubtedly among the greatest repertoire ever written for soloists, choir and orchestra. Although it often seems to stand in the shadow of its big brother the St Matthew Passion, it displays a musical setting and theatrical identity all its own.

It first resounded in 1724 during the Good Friday vespers service in Leipzig's Nicolaikirche: the first part before and the second part after the sermon. Bach did not use a ready-made textbook for his St John Passion. He composed his text from three hierarchically arranged layers: the Bible text alongside free poetry and church song stanzas.

Led by Kurt Bikkembergs, our symphonic choir tackles this captivating score and draws the audience into the ancient tradition of the oratorical passion.

Soloists: 

Jan Caals, evangelist

Sarah De Meester, soprano

Esther Fischer-Barnicol, soprano

Erwin Müller, bariton arias

Laurens-Alexander Wyns, tenor arias

Joris Stroobants, Christus