Composed in 1724, the St. John Passion is a grand and turbulent work produced at the height of Bach’s creative and expressive powers. The foreboding restlessness and tension in the opening chorus propel us into the inner world of John the Evangelist and his dramatic witness of betrayal, torment, and transfiguration in the gospel narrative.
Unlike the St. Matthew Passion’s broad themes, St. John explores our personal experience of suffering, anguish, fear, loss, and the enduring sustenance of hope. Amid it all, Bach’s glorious orchestration, counterpoint, and harmonic language sharpen each exquisite moment, from the severe to the sublime.
Featured Artists
James Reese
Tenor
“A shining tenor,” (New York Classical Review) James Reese delivers dynamic performances that facilitate intimate connections between audiences and the art, with a voice the Washington Post calls “bright, agile,…
Christopher Short
Bass-baritone
Christopher Short, bass-baritone, is a musician, arts administrator, and teaching artist from Raleigh, North Carolina. He hopes to use music as a bridge to connect people with their surrounding community…
Grant Jackson
Baritone
Hailed for his “revelatory” singing voice, baritone Grant Jackson is an active and dynamic performer of opera, art song, oratorio, and early music. Mr. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in…
Clara Rottsolk
Soprano
“Resplendent” (San Diego Story) soprano Clara Rottsolk has been lauded by The New York Times for her “clear, appealing voice and expressive conviction” and by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the…
Abigail Nims
Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano Abigail Nims is renowned as a musician of integrity and versatility for her performances of repertoire spanning from Bach, Handel, and Mozart to Crumb, Ligeti, and premieres of contemporary…
Gene Stenger
Tenor
Hailed as an “impressive tenor” (The New York Times) who sings with “sweet vibrancy” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer) Gene Stenger is one of the country’s most called upon Bach specialists…
Harrison Hintzsche
Baritone
“Sonorous” (Opera News) and “Suave” (parterre box) baritone Harrison Hintzsche is a recitalist, concert singer, and ensemble musician who enjoys the unique challenge of interpreting a wide range of diverse…