The Golden Anniversary: Bach's St Matthew Passion

Academy of Ancient Music

,Hall
Close up image of a crown of thorns

On Good Friday, AAM returns to a masterpiece that never grows old: Bach’s St Matthew Passion, stripped back to its essentials and performed with absolute commitment.

Filled with wonder and sorrow, a survivor tells his tale. As other voices tell their stories, the chorus becomes an accusing crowd, and an ancient tragedy comes startlingly alive. This is Bach’s St Matthew Passion, in an intimate and powerful performance from Academy of Ancient Music and a consort cast of acclaimed soloists.

The St Matthew Passion has become a Good Friday tradition, but this year AAM gets back to the music’s roots, using a chamber-scaled orchestra that Bach himself might have recognised and solo singers who step out of the ensemble to share their testimony. Performed like this, the emotion feels even more intense, and as ever, no religious belief is required: just a readiness to experience one of western music’s most beautiful – and transforming – masterpieces.

Tagged with: Classical music Academy of Ancient Music Academy of Ancient Music Multibuy Feb–Jul 2024

This performance will finish at approximately 6pm, including a 20-minute interval

Sung in German

Produced by Academy of Ancient Music

Programme

Johann Sebastian Bach St Matthew Passion

Performers

Academy of Ancient Music
Laurence Cummings director & harpsichord
Anna Dennis soprano
Tim Mead alto
Nicholas Mulroy tenor
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Pre-concert talk

2pm, Fountain Room

Free

There is limited capacity for this talk, which we will offer on a first come, first served basis. We are unable to accommodate the talk in the main auditorium because of instrument tuning that takes place before the performance.

Digital programme

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