The St Matthew Passion tells the story of Christ’s suffering according to the Gospel of Matthew. In Familie Matthäus, this story is presented clearly and accessibly by narrator Edwin Rutten, who guides the audience from beginning to end and explains the musical moments along the way. This allows both children and adults to immediately understand what is happening in the music and which emotions Bach sought to convey through his arias, recitatives and chorales.

The Luthers Bach Ensemble, known for its historically informed performance practice, plays on period instruments and uses authentic tempos and phrasing. Soloists, choir and orchestra bring the music to life as Bach might have intended. Thanks to the combination of historical precision and an accessible presentation, the St Matthew Passion sounds vibrant, expressive and engaging, while the drama of the story remains clear throughout.

What makes Familie Matthäus especially unique is its compact format of around 70 minutes, specifically designed for a broad audience. This shortened version preserves the essence and grandeur of Bach’s masterpiece, while its pacing and explanation keep the story lively and easy to follow. In this way, classical music becomes accessible to both young and old—without compromising on musical quality.

The ensemble enjoys wide recognition within the Dutch classical music scene. They are regularly featured on NPO Klassiek, have received glowing reviews in Trouw and are known from the television programme Podium Klassiek. This visibility underlines their reputation as one of the leading baroque ensembles in the Netherlands, attracting both new listeners and devoted Bach enthusiasts.

Experience Familie Matthäus: historical, vibrant and immersive—a baroque experience of the highest level.

• direction Marc Pantus conductor Tymen Jan Bronda narration Edwin Rutten orchestra Luthers Bach Ensemble choir Roder Jongeskoor