Bury Bach Choir: Bach’s St Mark Passion
Three weeks before Easter, we perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Mark Passion (BWV 247), which tells the story of Jesus as described in St Mark’s gospel chapters 14 and 15.
The first of several performances was in Leipzig, during Easter 1731, and though some of Bach’s music was since lost (seemingly by his publisher), the complete libretto (by Bach’s long term librettist Christian Friedrich Heinrici) survived.
As Bach was required to produce music for every church service, he often reworked music he had written to fit a new text in the same poetic metre and style. This enabled scholars, in 1997, to work backwards and complete tonight’s reconstruction of this superb Passion setting. The music, so full of enticing melodies and dramatic expression, is truly captivating (as we’re discovering in rehearsal).
The Bury Bach Choir will be accompanied by The Geldart Ensemble, with four wonderful soloists.
Although we have often performed Bach’s St Matthew and St John Passions, this will be the choir’s first performance of the St Mark Passion in our 93-year history and will probably be the first time you’ve heard it too. It’ll be a wonderful evening.
Hilary Cronin soprano
Tom Lilburn countertenor
Hugo Hymas tenor
Ben Noble bass
The Geldart Ensemble
Bury Bach Choir
Benedict Collins Rice conductor
Apex Friends Priority Booking opens 6 September 2024
General Booking opens 9 September 2024
Early booking discount: £1 off all full price tickets booked by 2nd January 2025
Starts: 7.30pm
Ends: 9.30pm
Tickets: £27, £22, £17 (all seats reserved) . Under 30’s go half price.
Venue: The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
Prices include £2 booking fee
This event is promoted by Bury Bach Choir
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