- This event has passed.
The Peterborough Singers present Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
May 11, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
On May 11, 2024 from 7 to 10 p.m., the Peterborough Singers will join instrumentalists and the Bach Children’s Chorus to present Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at Emmanuel United Church.
The piece, originally composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727, will feature the voices of about 140 vocalists. Because of its ambitious scope, the St. Matthew Passion is rarely performed in Peterborough.
“This is essentially 78 separate pieces or components that flow together to build a much grander piece of music,” said Syd Birrell, the founder and conductor of the Peterborough Singers. “Although it was written for a day of the year in the church, it goes far beyond that and brings forth so much emotion. Even if you are not religious, if you are carrying sadness this is an incredibly healing and comforting piece of music to witness.”
Karen Taylor is one of the founding members of the Peterborough Singers, and she recalled the first time the group performed the St. Matthew Passion. “There is a solo aria called Have Mercy Lord, and I remember having to bend down and wipe my tears away before I stood back up to sing my part after that. It’s just glorious,” she said.
A tenor in the choir with a solo playing the role of Peter, Max Debues said this performance is a bitter-sweet one for him as he is moving to Ottawa in the coming week. “I’ve been with the Singers for 13 years, and I’m sad to be leaving,” he said. “But this is an epic piece of music I’ve wanted to sing for a long time so this concert has a particularly special meaning to me.”
Although the Peterborough Singers are losing a treasured member following this performance, they are also welcoming new vocalists to join as they prepare for their next concerts.
“I just joined in February and this will be my first concert,” said alto choir member Emily Bennett. “Joining the choir is honestly the best thing I’ve done in my adult life. I love that it’s a low pressure way to socialize too, and that it’s an intergenerational group of people who love music.”
The St. Matthew Passion will be performed in English. Tickets cost $40 for adults or $10 for students, and are available online or at the door.
To learn more about the Peterborough Singers, or to purchase tickets for the May 11 concert, visit https://www.peterboroughsingers.com/concerts/st-matthew-passion/
$10 – $40
