The Guelph Chamber Choir is presenting Bach’s St. John Passion on April 1 at 7:30pm at the River Run Centre, accompanied by Musica Viva Orchestra and featuring many of Canada’s finest musicians performing on period instruments.
A work of impassioned drama, aesthetic refinement and deep religious sentiment, the St. John Passion moves beyond compositional brilliance, organizers state.
Bach’s job in Leipzig was to be a “musical preacher” for the city’s Lutheran churches. His music spoke directly to the minds and hearts of his people.
At 6:30pm, before the concert, retired United Church minister John Buttars will present a PodiumTalk entitled Turmoil and Destruction: an exploration of the historical context of St. John’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion on stage at the River Run Centre.
Some of Canada’s finest soloists will join the choir and orchestra.
Local soprano and former choir section lead Sheila Dietrich will return.
Canadian mezzo-soprano Jennifer Enns Modolo will also perform with the choir.
Tenor James McLean will take on the Evangelist role. He will narrate the story.
Single tickets for the Saturday evening performance of Bach’s St. John Passion at the River Run Centre are $35 each or four for $120.
Officials say they encourage young adults to attend with $10 tickets for students and those under 30, and $5 for youth with eyeGO.
Tickets are available from choir or board members, through the River Run Centre by calling 519-763-3000 or online at riverrun.ca/whats-on/gcc-st-john-passion. To discover more visit guelphchamberchoir.ca.
