Exultate Singers: St Matthew Passion

Exultate Singers
Bristol Ensemble Baroque
Peter Davoren Evangelist / tenor
Frederick Long Christus / bass
Martha McLorinan alto

Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir Exultate Singers joins forces with the period-instrument orchestra Bristol Ensemble Baroque to perform one of the most profound and moving works ever written, J.S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion.

Composed in 1727 for Good Friday at St Thomas’s Church in Leipzig, the St Matthew Passion stands as one of the crowning achievements of Western music. It tells the story of Christ’s final days – his betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial – in music of drama, devotion and beauty that continues to resonate nearly three centuries later.

Bach’s music moves seamlessly between vivid storytelling and moments of deep reflection. The Evangelist narrates the unfolding events in expressive recitative, and heartfelt arias, chorales and monumental choruses invite the listener to contemplate universal themes of suffering, compassion and redemption.

The tenor soloist and Evangelist is the “superbly artistic” Peter Davoren, who sings with illustrious groups including the BBC Singers, Monteverdi Choir, Tenebrae, the Sixteen and Solomon’s Knot. Bass Frederick Long, a distinguished concert and opera singer known for his performances with acclaimed vocal ensemble I Fagiolini, brings expressive warmth and dignity to the role of Christus. They are joined by Bristol Ensemble Baroque performing on authentic period instruments, bringing clarity, colour and immediacy to Bach’s glorious score.

The magnificent acoustic of St George’s Bristol provides the perfect setting for this immersive and powerful musical experience. Whether you are encountering the work for the first time or returning to it as a cherished masterpiece, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of spiritual and emotional intensity, performed in the original German.

Tickets

Front 5 rows of central stalls and central gallery £30
Mid and rear central stalls £27
Side stalls and first row of side gallery £27
Second row of side gallery £22
Third row of side gallery £18

How to book 

Book with Exultate Singers box office (no booking fee)

Book with St George’s box office – the venue’s 9% booking fee applies

• Buy online at www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
• Telephone 0117 929 4929 (open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am to 3pm)
• Book in person at St George’s Bristol (open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am to 3pm, and in person 90 minutes before the start of an event)