J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion

At this momentous performance, J. S. Bach’s awe-inspiring choral masterpiece—St. John Passion—attains new levels of meaning. The evening marks the completion of Bernard Labadie’s extraordinary tenure as principal conductor of Orchestra of St. Luke’s. It also completes Labadie’s cycle of major Bach choral works performed across New York. For the occasion, the ensemble is joined by a spectacular cast of singers, including soaring tenor Andrew Haji, dazzling soprano Joélle Harvey, and the magnetic and versatile bass-baritone Philippe Sly, whose voice “rings like silver in the upper register, the middle shines like gold, and his bass is firm as iron” (Bachtrack.com). La Chapelle de Québec fittingly rounds out the performance’s slate of shimmering voices. The choir boasts a rich and celebrated history with OSL and Labadie, tracing back to its inception by the conductor in 1985 and maintaining its artistic journey under his guidance as musical director for the past four decades. As we commemorate the beloved orchestra’s 50th anniversary season, this performance closes an incredible chapter in triumphant fashion.  

Concert Duration

Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one intermission