The baroque maestro Johann Sebastian Bach’s biggest and perhaps most important work is a part of long-standing Easter traditions. The colossal passion, written in 1727 and based on the gospel according to Matthew, portrays the sufferings of Jesus’ last days and death with the help of a large choir, six vocal soloists and a complete symphony orchestra. Its tonal language, rousing both the body and the mind and feeding the soul, has resonated with both the religious and non-religious for nearly 300 years.

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach: St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244

Duration about 3 h 10 min (incl. intermission)

Cast

Raimo Paaso, music direction
Niall Chorell, evangelist
Aarne Pelkonen, Jesus
Mari Palo, soprano
Erica Back, alto
Simo Mäkinen, tenor
Jussi Merikanto, baritone
Oulu Diocese Oratorio Choir
Teuvo Pakkala school’s music classes’ choir
Maria Viitasaari, choir master
Oulu Sinfonia