Leeds Minster

JS Bach’s matchless music retelling the story of the death of Jesus Christ.

St John Passion

JS Bach

Toby Ward Evangelist

Phil Wilcox Christus

St Peter’s Singers

National Festival Orchestra leader Sally Robinson

Alex Woodrow Conductor

First performed 300 years ago on Good Friday 1723, Bach’s setting of St John’s account of the events leading up to Christ’s death remains a masterpiece, performed thousands of times each year all over the world.

It is at times highly dramatic, turbulent and emotional, while soothing, reflective, grief-stricken at others. The choir switches roles between the mob calling for Jesus’ death and the Christian community throughout the ages observing and reliving the horror of those events. The soloists too act out the parts of the main characters while giving voice to the thoughts and feelings of bystanders such as ourselves.

As ever, Bach’s music touches knowingly on our deepest and most complex emotions: love, betrayal, guilt, grief. Despite coming from what seems like another world, this work can still speak to us – moving, fulfilling and uplifting. Step into that world – and find yourself in this one.