Johannes-passio
50 vuotta CM-ensiesityksestä – Norjanen 20 vuotta CM:n johtajana
J.S. Bach
Niilo Erkkilä, evangelist (tenor)
Jyrki Korhonen, Jesus (bass)
Tuuli Lindeberg, soprano
Jeni Packalén, alto
Heikki Hattunen, tenor
Aarne Pelkonen, bass
Finnish Baroque Orchestra
Hannu Norjanen, conductor
The renowned boys’ choir Cantores Minores of Helsinki Cathedral has gained recognition as a performer of Johann Sebastian Bach’s great sacred choral works. For over seventy years, the choir has brought to concert audiences alternating annual performances of the St. Matthew Passion and the St. John Passion, works that undoubtedly rank among the richest treasures of classical music. This year’s performance of the St. John Passion also marks the 50th anniversary of Cantores Minores’ tradition of performing Bach’s Passions, as well as the 20th anniversary of Professor Hannu Norjanen’s tenure as the choir’s artistic director.
Choir director Hannu Norjanen shares his thoughts on Bach’s St. John Passion:
“Bach’s St. John Passion dramatically narrates the key events of Easter, according to the Gospel of John, leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and death. The listener can easily immerse themselves in the fervent emotions of the high priests or the crowd through the choir’s powerful sections, reflect on the unfolding events during the moving solo arias, or follow the dialogue between Pilate and Jesus in the recitatives. The chorales invite the audience to join in spirit as part of the gathered assembly or simply observe from a distance.
Although we perform the Passions regularly, each performance is unique. A musical work comes to life only in a live performance. Every rendition is singular, as the group of performers changes every year—some are singing it for the very first time. Even for those who have performed it many times, Bach’s richly expressive musical language always offers new discoveries. However, the most essential and unique element is the interaction with the audience. The listeners become part of a one-of-a-kind event and interpretation. Everything happens in the present moment.
Though the Passion story ends with Jesus’ crucifixion and death, the triumphant final chorale of the St. John Passion already anticipates the joyful message of Easter. Amid sorrow and longing, there is hope for what is to come—life prevails.”
Duration: 2 h 15 min (no intermission)
Tickets 20 €, 25*/35 €, 45*/55 €, 75 € (numbered places): Ticketmaster's points of purchase, ticketmaster.fi and ticket sale at the door
* discount groups