A year ago I encouraged my readers in Chicago to reserve tickets early for an upcoming performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion that took place at the Harris Theater. Some Chicagoans did just that and told me afterwards that the performance, conducted by John Nelson, was exceptionally inspiring. Apparently John von Rhein, the music critic at the Chicago Tribune, agreed. In his review of Maestro Nelson and that performance, he wrote . . .
“He led a splendid team of soloists, chorus and orchestra in a fervent, moving account of one of the great monuments of Western music. This was the pinnacle of the Bach performances I have heard him direct thus far in the city.”
“He led a splendid team of soloists, chorus and orchestra in a fervent, moving account of one of the great monuments of Western music. This was the pinnacle of the Bach performances I have heard him direct thus far in the city.”
If You Missed that Performance, You Have another Chance to Hear a Great Bach Performance in Chicago
The good news is that if you missed the St. Matthew last year, you have the opportunity to attend the Chicago Bach Project’s performance of the St. John Passion that will take place on Friday, March 20 at 7:30 P.M., again at the Harris Theater at 205 E. Randolph Drive. Maestro John Nelson, a conductor who has an unequalled depth of insight into Bach’s Passions, will again conduct the Chicago Bach Choir and Orchestra. Soloists include the stellar tenor Nicholas Phan, who will be the Evangelist this year. (Last year he was the Evangelist in the St. Matthew.) Other soloists include the luminous young soprano Lisette Oropesa as well as Stephen Morscheck, Lawrence Zazzo, John Tessier and Matthew Brook.
This year’s performance will again be sponsored by Soli Deo Gloria, a remarkable foundation headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. SDG was formed in 1993 as a nonprofit foundation devoted to the preservation, performance, and promotion of classical sacred music inspired by the Bible in both the Christian and Jewish traditions. At the heart of its mission is the commissioning of new classical sacred music from the world’s leading composers. In addition, the organization sponsors sacred music concerts and recordings around the world. In each of these areas, SDG has gained recognition as a distinctive advocate for classical sacred music.
To Order Tickets
Call the Harris Theater box office at 312-334-7777 or order online.
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