St Matthew Passion - Incline Village

Composed in 1727 and lost for over 100 years, Bach's St. Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque sacred music.

The first performance of the was given at the Leipzig Thomaskirche, on Good Friday of 1727. But Bach substantially revised his greatest, most complex liturgical work in 1736, and the Toccata Presentations are based on that version. The St Matthew Passion, in this form, was his last major composition for the Leipzig congregations.

The St. Matthew Passion was written for two separate Choirs, accompanied by two small Orchestras. In most Arias, only one Orchestra provides accompaniment. The Choirs are sometime separated, but more often sing in unison or antiphony - moving the story forwards, and also providing commentary on the events. At different times, the Choruses appear as an unruly mob, or quiet witnesses, or actual participants in the story.

Vocal Soloists for this presentation will include: Morgan Manifacier as the Evangelist;Stuart Duke as Jesus; Joy Strotz as Mother Mary; Michael Lloyd as Peter; Anne Davidson and Ania Helwing, each appearing as Mary Magdelene on different dates.

The Two TOCCATA Orchestras will feature Brian Fox as Concertmaster for Orchestra One; Ondine Parker as Concertmaster for Orchestra Two; David Brock, on keyboard; Nick Haines, and Lou Groffman, as cello continuo players within the Orchestras.

All concert performances will be conducted by Maestro James Rawie.