St John Passion in Wexford Opera House...

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Bishop of Ferns welcomes performance of St John Passion

Commenting on the concert, the Most Rev. Dr. Denis Brennan D.D., Bishop of Ferns said, ”I warmly welcome the decision to schedule this performance. This seminal and celebrated musical meditation of the Lord's Passion is an added opportunity to grow in our understanding of the sacred mysteries we are celebrating in our parishes during Holy Week.”

Bishop of Ferns welcomes performance of St John Passion

As part of the Easter Observances Irish Baroque Orchestra & National Chamber Choir will perform J.S. Bach's 'St John Passion' on Holy Thursday, April 9 at 4:30pm. This special performance time of 4:30 in the afternoon was deliberately set so as not to conflict with religious services in Wexford town later that evening.

Following sold out performances of Messiah during Christmas last year, the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the National Chamber Choir, two of the most distinguished music ensembles in the country, join forces for the first time to present this much loved St John Passion, at a time of year in which its powerful message will have added resonances, promising an uplifting seasonal and musical experience. The fresh invigorating vitality of period instruments and chamber forces reveal this much-loved work in all its original colour and splendor.

The text for the body of the work is taken from the Gospel of John chapters 18 and 19. To augment these chapters that are summarized in the music, Bach used an elaborate body of commentary consisting of hymns that were often called chorales and arias. He used Martin Luther's translation of the Bible with only slight modifications. The first part of the score, which makes up about one-third of the entire piece, dramatically takes us through Peter’s walk and his betrayal of Jesus. It is interesting to note also that the two recitative passages, dealing with Peter crying after his betrayal and the temple veil ripping during the crucifixion, do not appear in the Gospel of John, but of Matthew. In the "Passion", one hears Peter deny Jesus three times, and at the third time, John tells us that the cock crew immediately. The "St. John Passion" is by far the most extravagant in line and harmony.

Commenting on the concert, the Most Rev. Dr. Denis Brennan D.D., Bishop of Ferns said, ”I warmly welcome the decision to schedule this performance. This seminal and celebrated musical meditation of the Lord's Passion is an added opportunity to grow in our understanding of the sacred mysteries we are celebrating in our parishes during Holy Week.”

Making its debut in Wexford Opera House, the Irish Baroque Orchestra is a beacon of excellence in Ireland. The Irish Times has described it as "one of the brightest stars in Ireland’s concert life". They bring back to life repertoire from the 17th and 18th Century unveiling the true colours of well-known masterpieces. IBO counts amongst its members some of the most talented young musicians in the international music scene.
The National Chamber Choir of Ireland is widely regarded as Ireland’s most distinguished choirs. It is celebrated both in Ireland and internationally for its fresh and innovative sound. In 2008, the internationally celebrated and grammy-award winning conductor Paul Hillier joined the National Chamber Choir of Ireland as Artistic Director and Chief conductor. The National Chamber Choir is made up of extraordinary vocalists drawn from the ranks of Europe’s leading choral singers. Through collaboration with some of the world’s leading choral conductors, together with its dedication to performing the finest vocal music old and new, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland remains at the pinnacle of vocal performance in Ireland and beyond.

In 2006, internationally renowned violinist Monica Huggett was appointed artistic director. Her leadership has taken the orchestra to international acclaim . Monica Huggett will direct a stellar cast of soloist that will include acclaimed Evangelist, John Elwes, a former Kathleen Ferrier award winner, Ruth Peel (Alto); Baroque specialist Susan Hamilton (Soprano), Australian Bass Dean Robinson (Christus & Bass) whose performance with the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment was received with critical acclaim and Canadian Daniel Auchincloss, whose unique high tenor register has earned him a reputation as one of the best baroque tenors. The Irish Baroque Orchestra and the National Chamber Choir are generously supported by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.