St. John Passion

Sunday 29 March, 5pm, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
(Click here for review)

Inspirational setting for Bach’s St John Passion.
The Orpheus Choir, in partnership with the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, is delighted to perform J S Bach’s monumental setting of the Passion according to the Gospel of St John – the St John Passion, on Sunday 29 March. The 5.00pm performance, replacing the Passion Sunday service is preceded at 4.30pm by a talk on the Passion story by The Very Reverend Frank Nelson, Dean of Wellington.

Bach’s St. John Passion retains the congregational spirit of worship while adding a dramatic dimension. The text for the body of the work is taken from the Gospel of St. John chapters, 18 and 19. It is constructed out of dramatically presented recitatives, chorales, arioso and aria movements, and choruses. Sung in German, and in the appropriate and inspirational setting of the Cathedral, this performance promises to be a highlight of this year’s music calendar.

The Orpheus Choir and the Vector Wellington Orchestra under the baton of Michael Fulcher are joined by Gregory Massingham from Brisbane singing the role of The Evangelist, Nicola Edgecombe (soprano), Ellen Barrett (alto), Hadleigh Adams (bass), and the Choir of the Cathedral of St Paul. In the spirit of the Baroque we are using the performing forces available for the occasion as Bach and Handel did in their own day.

Highly acclaimed Australian tenor Gregory Massingham is Head of Opera at the Queensland Conservatorium. A graduate of the Conservatorium, he completed his post-graduate studies at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama with distinguished tenor Sir Peter Pears. He maintains a busy concert schedule principally as a concert artist. He is particularly well known for his performances as The Evangelist in the Bach Passions and his interpretations of Benjamin Britten. This concert marks his 41st time singing the role of The Evangelist.