The Program

Johann Sebastian BACH St John Passion, BWV 245

Part I: Nos. 1–14 (June 13)
Part IIa: Nos. 15–24 (June 14)
Part IIb: Nos. 25–40 (June 16)

Bach Akademie Cantata Choir and Orchestra
Jason Steigerwalt, baritone (Jesus)
Steven Soph, tenor (evangelist)
Scott Allen Jarrett presenting

Written for Good Friday in 1724, the Passion according to St John reveals Bach at his most dramatic and most expressive. The largest work he’d composed at that time, the St. John Passion teems with a seemingly inexhaustible musical imagination movement by movement, bar by bar.

Bach truly outdid himself in composing the John Passion, scoring some of the most delicate, poignant, and urgent music of his entire output. The Bach Akademie performs on instruments modeled on those of Bach’s time, played by many of our country’s finest baroque music specialists. Bach’s instrumentation varies movement by movement revealing a remarkable creativity to depict theological concepts and human emotions with astonishing clarity and depth.

The Bach Experience is the Festival’s signature education series where Bach’s works are studied, explained, explored, and performed. Artistic Director Scott Allen Jarrett guides each session sharing insights through conversations with musicians and musical demonstrations before a full performance of each segment. No musical experience is required and all are welcome.

You know you’ve always liked Bach’s music – come and learn why! Bring your score, bring a friend, chat with our musicians, and Bach will take care of the rest.