Bach’s St John Passion

Leading interpreters of Bach unite for this singular performance of a choral masterpiece.

Friendship. Betrayal. Grief. Hope. Death. Life. This is the greatest story ever told, set to music by the greatest composer who ever lived. Bach wrote music as an act of worship, marvelling at the complexity of life and humbling himself before God. His account of the final days of Jesus’ life is the pinnacle of choral music. Dramatic, awe inspiring and utterly human, it is a feat of storytelling that captures the sublime.

For Richard Tognetti, a musician who has devoted a large part of his musical life to JS Bach, taking the St John Passion on a national tour is a long-held dream. To mark this special event the Australian Chamber Orchestra is joined by Vox Luminis, the multi-award-winning Belgian vocal ensemble whose radiant sound has made it one of the most admired interpreters of Baroque vocal music in the world today.

Bach’s St John Passion is an act of pure devotion that embodies the power of music and spirit of humanity. For audiences, it is a truly transcendent experience.

Bach is God to musicians. As a musician, there is so much you can reveal in his music. As a listener, there is so much you can access without even needing to truly understand why or how it’s affecting you. Richard Tognetti

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world. Led by their pioneering Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, the Orchestra is defined by its exceptional virtuosity and an irrepressible sense of adventure and curiosity.

This performance is available as a part of an Australian Chamber Orchestra 2027 Subscription. Single tickets go on sale to the general public Fri 9 Oct.