Palm Sunday, 1st April 2012, 7:00 pm	St Matthew
	Royal Northern College of Music
	(map)

Bach’s St Matthew Passion, widely regarded as one of the greatest sacred works of all time, was first performed nearly 300 years ago in 1727, probably on Good Friday in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig.  Its two parts would have been separated by the sermon.  It tells the story of Jesus’s betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion, but as a Good Friday piece, there is only a hint in the last chorus of the triumph of Easter Day.  Bach modified it for further performances in the ensuing 20 years, mainly to allow for the different forces at his disposal.

Despite its quality, the work remained almost unknown outside Leipzig for over a century until Mendelssohn performed it in Berlin in 1829, thus bringing Bach and his work to the international acclaim which it has enjoyed ever since.

The Passion is scored for double chorus and double orchestra with soloists and is well suited to a choir the size of Oldham Choral Society and to the excellent facilities of the RNCM.

Review

This concert was a great success and knowledgeable members of the audience thought it was the best the choir have ever performed.  Double choir, double orchestra and soloists combined under the untiring direction of Nigel P Wilkinson to create a most memorable event.

Soloists
John Pierce – Evangelist	Rhys Jenkins  –   Christ	Andrew Greenan – Bass
Adrienne Murray – Alto	Nicola Howard – Soprano
Orchestra	East Lancs Sinfonia
Conductor	Nigel P Wilkinson

Tickets (Adults £14, RNCM students £5, under 18s accompanied by an adult £1) are available from:

– Our ticket secretary on 01457 875 221

– The RNCM box office on 0161 907 5555

– Online via the RNCM web site (explore to find the concert then book online)

Seats can be reserved, so the earlier you book the better the choice of seats.