At the heart of Europe's vibrant classical music scene, the Rheingau Musik Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and Britten Sinfonia present a series of soul-stirring performances. These events bring to life choral masterpieces from Bach's grand 'Mass in B minor' to the profound 'Seven Last Words from the Cross' by James MacMillan. Conducted by the acclaimed Nigel Short, these concerts promise an exploration of sacred music's emotive power in some of Europe's most historic venues.

A Celebration of Choral Masterpieces: From Bach to MacMillan

Embark on a captivating journey with the Tenebrae Choir under the direction of conductor Nigel Short as they perform some of the most profound and enduring pieces of choral music. From the sublime Bach’s Mass in B minor at Eberbach Abbey to the emotive Seven Last Words by James MacMillan at St Martin-in-the-Fields, these events present an opportunity to experience the beauty and depth of choral works. Join us as we delve into these masterpieces, exploring the contributions of the artists and the historical significance of their works.

Exploring Masterpieces with Nigel Short: A Journey Through Bach and Beyond

Works by John Tavener, Arvo Pärt and James MacMillan

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Schleswig Cathedral

Lübeck Cathedral

Described by Carl Friedrich Zelter as "the greatest work of art the world has ever seen," Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B minor remains the Baroque master's most frequently performed composition, even ahead of his St. Matthew Passion. Bach spent almost half his life working on this masterpiece, which the Tenebrae Choir and the Basel Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Short, will perform with equal mastery in the basilica of Eberbach Abbey. Since 2019, the choir, to which we awarded the Rheingau Music Prize in 2023, has delighted audiences at the Rheingau Music Festival every year and will demonstrate this evening why Bach's Mass in B minor is one of the absolute highlights of his oeuvre and one of the most important sacred compositions of all time.

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Bach: Mass in B minor

Eberbach Abbey

Barber’s Adagio and Allegri’s Miserere prepare the way for James MacMillan’s great Passion meditation, in this emotionally-charged evening from Tenebrae and Britten Sinfonia.

Tenebrae

Mar 28, 2026

Seven Last Words From The Cross

27 - 28 Aug, 2025

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Aug 7, 2025

Bach: Mass in B minor

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