Nobody does Bach quite like the Bach Collegium Japan. The ensemble makes a welcome return to the Proms for the composer’s concentrated depiction of Christ’s arrest, rendition and execution – the St John Passion. Probing, unsettling, dramatic and beautiful, Bach’s work is known as much for its optimism as for its turbulence, its final bars appearing to invite all of us to imagine a brighter future.

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Prom 40: Bach’s St John Passion

Royal Albert Hall

The legend goes that during the London premiere of Handel’s Messiah in 1743, King George II stood up at the opening of the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, thus obligating the rest of the audience to do the same. Whether he was emotionally moved, needed to stretch his legs (or, in fact, was even in attendance at all), is debated to this day, but the tradition of standing remains. Tonight’s annual performance of the work features a quartet of celebrated international soloists, flanked by the forces of the Hallé Choir.

Messiah

The Bridgewater Hall

Under the masterful baton of John Butt, a cast of stellar soloists and the Hallé Choir combine in this timeless musical representation of the life and death of Christ.

The legend goes that during the London premiere of Handel’s Messiah in 1743, King George II stood up at the opening of the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, thus obligating the rest of the audience to do the same. Whether he was emotionally moved, needed to stretch his legs (or, in fact, was even in attendance at all), is debated to this day, but the tradition of standing remains. Tonight’s annual performance of the work features a quartet of celebrated international soloists, flanked by the forces of the Hallé Choir.

Alexander Chance

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 7, 2024

Messiah · The Hallé

Dec 7, 2024

The Hallé - Messiah · The Bridgewater Hall

Past events

Aug 19, 2024

Prom 40: Bach’s St John Passion · Royal Albert Hall

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