Bach’s Matthäus-Passion: an authentic Easter experience

Part of our Sounds of Nature programme

Music lovers will be excited by the prospect of full-scale live performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion this Easter in Manchester. This moving account of Jesus Christ’s last days before his crucifixion features heart-rending arias and sweeping choruses.

It’s hard to find authentic performances of such a demanding masterpiece in the original German. The William Byrd Singers will form two choirs alongside six internationally acclaimed soloists, the period instruments of the 18th Century Sinfonia, and a chorus of children from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Atherton.

Baritone Peter Harvey will sing the part of Jesus, while tenor Nicholas Pritchard will narrate the action as the Evangelist. The other soloists will be Rowan Pierce (soprano), Tim Morgan (countertenor), Jeremy Budd (tenor), and Damian O’Keeffe (bass).

The professional musicians of the 18th Century Sinfonia play authentic period instruments to help choirs achieve high-level performances of works as their composers intended; and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is locally renowned for the quality of its pupils’ singing.

The William Byrd Singers are a Manchester-based chamber choir which takes pride in the quality and range of its performances. Keith Orrell, its Musical Director, also directs the Liverpool Welsh Choral and is a dedicated church musician. He will direct the St Matthew Passion in addition to playing harpsichord.

The William Byrd Singers are pleased to announce that this performance of the St Matthew Passion will raise funds to support those suffering in Ukraine. William Byrd Singer, Marc Gwynne and his company Organon Trustees, have offered to match the cost of every ticket sold, and pledge this to UK-Med, a Manchester-based charity which sends staff to provide emergency medical care in Ukraine. Your attendance at the concert will therefore not only be a wonderful experience for you but will provide much needed medical help to those in need.

William Byrd Singers website

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