Bach's St Matthew Passion

Bach never expected his music to outlive him. But when it came to his musical setting of the story of Christ’s arrest and execution, the St Matthew Passion, he took steps to ensure the music would last. First, he made a pristine copy of the score in ink and repaired it as he grew old. Second, he went to extraordinary lengths to make this score speak beyond its time, its place and even its religion - to connect with anyone of any age in any time. Many believe the music of the St Matthew Passion has never been surpassed. Either way, its vivid storytelling, layers of musical beauty and spiritual power have maintained an urgent and transfixing power.

Artistic Partner Jan Villem de Vriend returns to Bergen to conduct this monument of western civilization - a work that sings with divinity and speaks with humanity, and challenges a community of listeners to embark on a spiritual journey that rewards openness and concentration. World-leading soloists including Magdalena Kozena and James Gilchrist join the orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Chorus and Edvard Grieg Kor for these Eastertide performances of Bach’s great Passion.