Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago to perform St. Matthew Passion
Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion”
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago present two back-to-back performances of St. Matthew Passion, conducted by music director Stephen Alltop. It also will feature the Spirito Singers.
“To experience Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is to be immersed in one of the greatest artistic and spiritual achievements by a human mind. It’s something every music lover should hear in concert at least once in their lives,” Alltop said.
Performances will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Church of the Holy Family (Chicago).
It will feature tenor Steven Soph (Evangelist); baritone Evan Bravos (Jesus); soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg; mezzo soprano Sarah Ponder; tenor Brian Skoog; and baritone Andrew Garratt.
Bach St. Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music. Featuring a double orchestra and double choir, it presents the Gospel of Matthew chapters 26 and 27 narrating the Easter story.
In addition to the two choirs, six Chicago-based soloists join the orchestra each performing the role of named characters important to the story of Easter. The choirs play the voice of crowds (such as disciples) and act as commentators on the narrative.
Full of musical drama, spiritual depth, and rich lyricism, St. Matthew Passion is a Mount Everest of musical mountaintops and was programmed to celebrate Stephen Alltop’s 30th anniversary as music director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.
For tickets, first-time visitor guides, FAQs, and further concert details, please visit bachsmp.com or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at (630) 941-0202, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is a community-based and professional ensemble dedicated to providing world-class performances to the greater Elmhurst area. Under the baton of nationally renowned Dr. Stephen Alltop, the orchestra continues to be a vital part of the local cultural landscape. Learn more at ElmhurstSymphony.org.
Apollo Chorus of Chicago is Illinois’s oldest musical organization. Its over 120 auditioned members are a diverse group of singers brought together by their abiding love of music since 1872. The Chorus has performed at the Ravinia Festival, Peninsula Music Festival, Ear Taxi Festival, and with popular artists including Josh Groban and Louis the Child, among others. Learn more at ApolloChorus.org.