St John Passion

The evening

The Hallé Orchestra and Choir present Bach’s intimate, powerful account of the Easter story, his St John Passion.

This tension-filled drama begins with Jesus and his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, and follows his arrest, trial and death as told in the Gospel of St John.

Narrated by a tenor – St John – the story is told through pacy sung dialogue, supported by cleverly illustrative music. The eloquent arias make this the closest thing Bach wrote to an opera. And his extraordinary choral writing vividly depicts the ferocious crowd who witness Jesus’ suffering.

Conducted by Baroque specialist Laurence Cummings, this performance showcases immaculate singing from the Hallé Choir.