Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment / Sir Simon Rattle

In his two epochal Passion oratorios – the St Mathew Passion and the St John Passion – Johann Sebastian Bach expressed the very essence of his church music and theological message. However, how exactly the music should be performed has always been a point of intense discussion. The works break the liturgical framework and – due to the structure of recitatives, arias, dialogues and choir parts – demand a staged performance. Star American director Peter Sellars worked with Sir Simon Rattle on a staging of the »St Matthew Passion« in the Berlin Philharmonie in 2010; this was followed by the »St John Passion« in 2014. His approach: »It’s not theatre. It’s a prayer, a meditation.«

Please note: Mezzo-soprano Christine Rice steps in for Magdalena Kožená. Christian Gerhaher has also been forced to cancel his appearance as Petrus and Pilatus in the St John Passion due to health reasons. Austrian baritone Georg Nigl kindly steps in to sing both roles at short notice.