St. John Passion rocks Schwerin: Great choir-orchestra power in St. Paul

Bach's St. John Passion in Schwerin: Sound drama between light and silence

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion (BWV 245) will fill St. Paul’s Church in Schwerin. The city and cathedral choir collaborates with the renowned ensemble Hamburg Baroque with concertmaster Annegret Siedel – a concert experience that combines acoustics, space, and emotion into a dense live atmosphere.

Choral sound and soloists: Precision meets expression

The city and cathedral choir forms the dramatic choral body, while Georg Drake as the Evangelist carries the narrative with clear diction and stylistic phrasing. Joining him are: Amrei Beuerle (soprano), Marian Dijkhuizen (alto), and Julian Redlin and Simeon Nachtsheim (bass). The historically informed playing of Hamburg Baroque ensures lean orchestration, fine articulation, and breath-holding synchronization with the choir – a stage performance that maintains a balance between text and emotion.

Masterpiece of the Passion story

Bach's St. John Passion is among the most significant vocal works of the Baroque era. Its contrasting dramaturgy – from choral force to chamber-like intimacy – unfolds a unique depth in the church acoustics of St. Paul’s. Chorales shine like quiet prayers, Turba choirs sparkle with rhythmic energy, and arias capture the soul’s close-ups between comfort and upheaval.

Sound space of St. Paul’s Church

The neo-Gothic St. Paul’s Church offers ideal conditions: clear voice projection, resonant reverberation for choir-orchestra arrangement, and well-defined bass foundation. This creates an immersively experienced score that captivates the audience's mood from the very first chord.

Context and relevance

As an early Leipzig Passion (1724), BWV 245 stands alongside the St. Matthew Passion in music history. Edition practices and research evidence multiple versions – a treasure of performance tradition that labels and academic publishers still maintain today. Reviews and work profiles emphasize: This work feels timeless and immediate.

Conclusion: Two hours that linger

Expect a concentrated Passion concert lasting well over two hours: compelling narrative flow, radiant chorales, moving arias. Those who want to experience the intensity of Baroque sound in person should secure tickets in advance – reserved seats and tickets from 20 € available.

Official channels of Johann Sebastian Bach / Participants:

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Sources:

• Ev.-Luth. Cathedral Community/Schlosskirche Community Schwerin – Community Letter March–May 2026 (Program, cast, prices, time)
• State Capital Schwerin – St. Paul’s Church (local portrait)
• Carus-Verlag – Work Info St. John Passion BWV 245
• Wikipedia – St. John Passion (BWV 245) – Overview
• Kirche-MV – Church Music and Concerts Schwerin (Ensembles/Choirs)
• Tourist Information Schwerin – Ticket sales