Matthew Passion

In the Lutheran Bach Ensemble's semi-scenic Matthäus, soloists and choir wear everyday clothing and sing everything by heart. It makes for greater interaction among the singers and with the audience. Gestures and movements underscore the drama of the passion. The Lutheran Bach Ensemble is the only music company in the Netherlands to perform the Matthäus in this way.

As before, the direction for this production is in the hands of Marc Pantus. 'My goal is to use the intense understanding of the musical and literary text of the Matthäus to strip the piece of its halo. It must be ensured that the piece has something to mean to us now, at this moment.'

It is extraordinary that the Lutheran Bach Ensemble has included the same performance in its programming for years in a row. 'We got so many extraordinary reactions from the audience and from the press that we couldn't avoid giving reprises; this year's performance is another chance to be there.' Another special element: director Marc Pantus is also taking artistic direction this year.

Performers

• Lutheran Bach Ensemble (small choir, soloists & baroque orchestra) conducted by Marc Pantus (artistic direction & direction)
• Roder Boys' Choir
• Nils Giebelhausen (Evangelist) | Berend Eijkhout (Christ) | Kristen Witmer (soprano) | David van Laar (alto) | Olivier Kemler (tenor) | Drew Santini (bass)