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On the evening of Saturday 14 March, York Minster will provide the magnificent backdrop for one of the most profound works in the choral repertoire: J. S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
Performed by the York Musical Society and Orchestra under the baton of conductor David Pipe, this monumental work brings the Gospel narrative to life with incredible emotional power. Bach’s masterpiece is unique in its scale, written for a double chorus and orchestra, plus an additional soprano chorus.
The story is told through the perspective of the Evangelist (tenor Gwilym Bowen) and Jesus (bass Alex Ashworth), supported by a stellar line-up of soloists including Clare Lloyd-Griffiths, Marie Elliott, Daniel Joy, and Jack Comerford.
The performance is structured in two moving parts: Part One depicts the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, while Part Two takes a darker, more reflective tone as it follows the trial, crucifixion, and burial. Within the vast, sacred space of the Minster, the "must-hear" stereo effect of the double choirs and the intimate beauty of the arias offer a truly immersive spiritual experience.
