Bach St John Passion
St Matthias Church, Wellswood, Torquay 15th March 2007
Crediton Parish Church, 16th March 2007
With
Torbay Singers Chamber Orchestra (leader Pippa Pawlik)
David Webb Evangelist
Nicholas Merryweather Christus & Bass
Peter Lewis Pilate
Elizabeth Drury Soprano
Helen Evora Alto
Steven Phillips Tenor
Continuing their Ruby Anniversary year, Torbay Singers gave two performances of the Passion according to St John by J S Bach. Almost nestling in the shadow of the St Matthew Passion, this work has a strong dramatic thread which brings emotion to the fore. From the start with its dark murmurings in the orchestra right through to the final chorus ("Lie still") and final death-defying chorale, The Torbay Singers kept the tension strong whilst playing the drama with conviction and gripping power. The soloists, no strangers to Torbay Singers, were a well balanced group, complementing the spirited singing of the choir. Superb orchestral support was had from the Torbay Singers Chamber Orchestra, a group of musicians drawn from across the country.
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