Apollo’s Fire and conductor Jeannette Sorrell are thrilled to return to Bach’s most legendary masterpiece on the 300th anniversary of its premiere in Leipzig (1727). In this dramatic presentation, the singers in the character roles (Jesus, Pilate, etc) interact with each other, singing from memory. The GRAMMY®-nominated chorus Apollo’s Singers is joined by children’s voices to create a sense of communal gathering in Sorrell’s interpretation. British tenor Ed Lyon, fresh from major successes at London’s Covent Garden, steps into the role of the Evangelist as an animated storyteller.

“Jeannette Sorrell led a revelatory performance [of Bach’s St. John Passion], with impassioned singing and playing bring Bach’s score to life with contemporary immediacy.” – Opera News

The performance at St. Bernard Catholic Church is generously sponsored by TIM & JENNY SMUCKER
The performance at Severance Music Center is generously sponsored by JEFF BARNETT