Experience the profound beauty of Bach's St Matthew Passion like never before at the Edinburgh International Festival. This exceptional performance, led by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Ryan Wigglesworth, showcases Felix Mendelssohn's transformative arrangement of Bach's masterpiece. Set to take place at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Sunday, 4th August 2024, at 3:00 pm, this concert promises to be a historic event that revisits and celebrates the monumental impact Mendelssohn had on Bach's revival in the 19th century.

The concert will feature an impressive lineup of soloists, including Elizabeth Watts (Soprano), Dame Sarah Connolly (Alto), Laurence Kilsby (Tenor), James Atkinson (Bass), Ed Lyon (Evangelist), and Neal Davies (Christus), alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, and the RSNO Youth Chorus. Together, they will bring to life the urgent narrative and potent emotions of the Passion story, from Christ’s capture to his trial and crucifixion.

This rendition of St Matthew Passion not only highlights Mendelssohn's role in the Bach revival but also offers audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the dramatic and emotional depth of the work. Tickets start from £22.50, making this a must-attend event for classical music enthusiasts and those looking to experience the power of Bach's music, reimagined by Mendelssohn's genius.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that bridges history and emotion, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most prestigious festivals. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable afternoon at Usher Hall.

Eif: St Matthew Passion

The Usher Hall

The young Felix Mendelssohn transformed Johann Sebastian Bach’s majestic St Matthew Passion for modern orchestra. His groundbreaking performances of his impassioned arrangements in Berlin (1829) and Leipzig (1841 – the version heard in this concert) changed the course of music history. Without these, the great Bach revival might never have happened.

EIF Opening Concert: St Matthew Passion

The Marriage of Figaro is widely considered to be the greatest opera ever written – an astonishing fusion of music and drama, of comedy and profundity – and over the 238 years since its first performance, it has never lost its ability to captivate and exhilarate audiences.

EPSG:4326

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro

Cadogan Hall 

Firmly established as a Christmas tradition for audiences across the globe, Handel’s Messiah is a true celebration of the nativity; exhilarating yet deeply emotional and resonant. Comprising a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and psalms from the Book of Common Prayer, Messiah brings some of the most evocative oratorio writing in the repertoire featuring ‘For unto us a child is born’, ‘The trumpet shall sound’ and the famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.

James Atkinson

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 21, 2024

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro · Cadogan Hall

Dec 12, 2024

Messiah · BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Past events

Aug 4, 2024

Eif: St Matthew Passion · Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Aug 4, 2024

EIF Opening Concert: St Matthew Passion · BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in St Matthew Passion by

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

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