This Passion is one of Bach’s most moving works, combining dramatic recitatives, poignant arias, and powerful choruses. Through his balance of lyricism and spirituality, Bach takes the listener on a musical journey where every note and every silence reveals pain and compassion.

First performed in Leipzig in 1724, Bach’s St. John Passion has continued to evolve over the years. As early as 1725, the composer proposed a revised, more meditative version, in which several arias were replaced and the opening chorale was replaced by a more restrained chorus. Bach continued his adjustments in the 1730s, occasionally modifying the instrumentation and choral writing. The final version, completed around 1749, brings together the composer’s most accomplished choices. Far from being a static work, this Passion demonstrates a constant search for balance between dramatic expressiveness, theological depth, and the musical power of the choruses and arias.

Camille Delaforge will conduct Bach’s St. John Passion, replacing Marta Gardolińska, who is currently ill and to whom we wish a speedy recovery.
The Festival is delighted to welcome Camille Delaforge for this exceptional concert, with the Namur Chamber Choir and the Paris Chamber Orchestra, and to continue the collaboration begun during the residency with her Ensemble Il Caravaggio. She will also conduct Mozart’s Le Devoir du premier Commandement on June 19 and give a conducting masterclass at the CRR 93 on June 14. We thank her sincerely for her commitment.

A co-production of the Festival de Saint-Denis/Orchestre de Chambre de Paris