HCO & Somnium Ensemble: J. S. Bach - St. John's Passion

J.S.  Bach’s St John Passion is a tale of guilt and innocence and of courage  and fear at acting according to one’s beliefs. Bach and the unknown  librettist open up a view of the Gospel that is baroquely rich and  strikingly painful. The passion’s dramatic effect is achieved  particularly through the unity of its musical material. Along the way of  the cross, intimate chorales offer a respite and a chance to ask for  the meaning of the story here and now.

Somnium  Ensemble and Helsinki Chamber Orchestra are led by the orchestra’s  principal conductor, James Kahane on Good Friday. Somnium Ensemble,  winner of Yle’s record of the year in 2019, gets a chance to continue  absorbing in early music and major vocal works. Helsinki Chamber  Orchestra emphasises the importance of chamber musicianship and the  individual creative responsibility of its players.

A  dynamic group of soloists includes renowned and promising singers. The  St John Passion will be performed a second time on Monday the 18th of  April at 16.00 as part of the Eurajoki Bel Canto Festival, in Kustaa  Aadolfin kirkko, Eurajoki.