In Bach's Matthias Passion, you hear betrayal, condemnation, death, and unconditional love. The piece combines the most horrible and the most beautiful and continues to surprise and touch you, whether you are religious or not.

Lars Ulrik Mortensen: “In the Matthäus-Passion, Bach used religious texts. I have often wondered if I am allowed to conduct Bach's religious works as a non-believer. But I believe the deeper meaning of words, whether they come from the Bible or a poem, is universal. Just as the feelings evoked by the texts are universal.”

“Bach writes craftily, with both feet on the ground; he understands all that is human, all our emotions, like no one else. At the same time, he has created music that is absolutely divine. But you can always relate to it through the recognition of the human aspect.”

This performance brings a masterpiece that continues to unsettle, comfort, and move. In the Concert Hall, you will hear why the Matthias Passion continues to touch people for generations.

• harpsichord & direction Lars Ulrik Mortensen evangelist Raphael Höhn soprano Dorothee Mields & Kristen Witmer alto Terry Wey & Alexander Chance tenor Georg Poplutz & Zachary Wilder bass Felix Schwandtke & Sebastian Myrus choir Kampen Boys Choir
• program Johann Sebastian Bach - Matthias Passion, BWV 244