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The St. John Passion, by J.S. Bach

First Unitarian Society of Madison
Madison, WI

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The St. John Passion, by J.S. Bach

WCC will perform J.S. Bach's St. John Passion, on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at the beautiful First Unitarian Society Atrium on University Bay Drive in Madison, WI.

Soloists include:
James Doing as the Evangelist
Paul Rowe as Jesus
William Rosholt as Pilate
Julie Hutchinson singing the Soprano arias
Julie Cross singing the Alto arias
Ryan McEldowney singing the Tenor arias
Brian Leeper singing the Bass arias

This profound masterpiece will be accompanied by Baroque orchestra playing period instruments using 18th century tuning. The St. John's Passion is the closest Bach came to writing an opera with its dramatic portrayal of the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion as relayed in the Gospel of John. In examining the diverse religious beliefs held by choir members and the audience at large, WCC Director Bob Gehrenbeck raises the question and explores the answer:

"What meaning could an overtly Christian work like Bach's St. John Passion have for all of us, taking into account our diversity of backgrounds? I feel strongly that the music of Bach's St. John Passion, in addition to being a great religious monument, also speaks to the human condition in a more general way. The story conveys intense emotions of love and loss, anger and empathy, fear and bravery, despair and hope. All of these things are part of what it means to be human at a deep level. Bach's music has the uncanny ability to cut to the quick in its portrayal of these states, bridging differences of time, place, and belief."

WCC received outstanding reviews for its sold out performance of the Bach's Christmas Oratorio in 2002 and its CD recording of the Oratorio in 2003. WCC also performed the B Minor Mass in 2005. The choir is pleased to rekindle the relationship with J.S. Bach in our tenth anniversary season.