Page 402 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

8 April 2023
Bach St Matthew’s Passion – Liverpool

Philharmonic Hall

Revered as one of the greatest choral works ever composed, Bach’s St Matthew’s Passion is a
timeless classic. This performance is to Mendelssohn’s arrangement and is sung in German. An
emotional, complex and challenging work – a challenge which the Liverpool Philharmonic
Orchestra and Choir rise to.

The stage is packed and the anticipation is palpable. With a quick nod to the audience, conductor
Andrew Manze is keen to get going and promptly launches the room into the evening. Dark,
throbbing chords echo like a pulse as the opening chorus of The Passion begins.

As well as the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, the Youth Choir are present for the
opening chorus with chorale.

The sound is alarmingly mournful. Carrying an edge of dystopia with it, the layers of the choir ring
a prophetic cascade of sorrow, calling the audience to engage with the suffering and death of
Christ. The Passion is a tale of trial, turmoil and hope.

Supported by a tenor (Andrew Staples), a baritone (Mark Stone), a soprano (Susanne Bernhard)
and a mezzo-soprano (Kathryn Rudge), we are led through The Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal
and the events leading to The Crucifixion.