Bach: St John Passion - WDR Rundfunkchor, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra & soloists conducted by J

De Johannes-Passion remains a timeless story that asks new questions to every generation of listeners. Waar de Matthäus-Passion invites wide contemplation, Bach chooses more dramatic focus and urgency here. Under the direction of Johanna Soller, artistic director of the Nederlandse Bachvereniging and a name that resonates throughout Europe thanks to her delicate interpretations, the work gets a clear, decisive character. WDR Rundfunkchor, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, and a select group of international soloists create a tension field in which silence is just as meaningful as sound. A starring role is reserved for one of the most excellent evangelists of today: Patrick Grahl, alumnus of the Thomasschule in Leipzig. Soprano Lore Binon is also there. She is a crowd favorite in Flanders and is also on our stage twice this season (see also Debussy & Ravel on Jan 29, 27). Less extensive than the St. Matthew Passion, the St. John Passion is all the sharper in profile with themes that still resonate today: injustice, courage, speaking, and silence. Soller exposes them with a masterful command of style and space. This performance will be a unique event in Hasselt in the period leading up to Easter. program Johann Sebastian Bach Johannes-Passion conductor Johanna Soller / evangelist Patrick Grahl / christ role Konstantin Krimmel / soprano Lore Binon / alto Tim Mead / tenor Joshua Ellicott / bass Tobias Berndt antwerpsymphony.be, wdr.de & johannasoller.de