It is the first courtroom drama in history. In Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion, Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate to answer for his actions while the Jews gathered outside demand his death. The St Thomas cantor created a gripping tragedy from the sparse Gospel, which is still one of the most dramaturgically effective works in music history. Bach translated the almost scenic plot into vivid tonal colours. The orchestral prelude opens the inexorable sequence of capture, condemnation and crucifixion with disturbing dissonances, before leading into an enchanting choral movement in praise of God.
While the Evangelist leads us through the events in the words of the Old Testament, Johann Sebastian Bach added further verses as the basis for expressive arias and choral movements. To the sounds of the early music ensemble Concerto Köln, led by Klaas Stok, the members of the NDR Vokalensemble emerge from the choir rows. As in the highly acclaimed performance of Bach’s »Christmas Oratorio« in the Great Hall of the Elbphilharmonie in 2023, they will once again perform numerous solo parts. NDR was once again able to secure the sought-after tenor Sebastian Kohlhepp as the Evangelist. He already performed with the NDR Vokalensemble for a subscription concert in 2025 and is a regular guest at the Salzburg Festival.
PERFORMERS
NDR Vokalensemble choir
Concerto Köln ensemble
Sebastian Kohlhepp tenor
Solist:innen des NR Vokalensembles
Klaas Stok director
PROGRAM
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245
