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Classical music lovers are in for a pre-Easter treat on Saturday 22 March, when Johann Sebastian Bach’s mighty St Matthew Passion returns to magnificent Worcester Cathedral.

Presented by the region’s leading large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society, it’s thought to be the first time since 1990 that the work will be staged in Worcester. The large-scale concert will feature 150 voices in a double chorus, together with a double Baroque orchestra and six, acclaimed soloists.

Known as the ‘Great Passion’, Bach’s 1727 oratorio tells the story of Jesus's final days, based on parts of St Matthew’s Gospel. The singers performing the work’s richly scored arias, chorales and choruses represent a range of different characters, creating a powerful musical drama that ranges from intimate grief to monumental crowd scenes.

With credits including The Royal Opera, Glyndebourne Chorus, English Touring Opera and Monteverdi Choir, the soloists are Sebastian Hill (tenor/Evangelist), David Shipley (bass/Christus), Miriam Allan (soprano), Tom Lilburn (countertenor), Ruairi Bowen (tenor) and Richard Bannan (baritone). The concert is under the baton of Worcester Cathedral director of music Samuel Hudson and accompanied by the Meridian Sinfonia.

Susan White, Worcester Festival Choral Society chairman, said: “St Matthew Passion is one of the most monumental and significant works in choral music. We’re thrilled to be able to stage it here in Worcester! It promises to be a very special occasion.”

Worcester Festival Choral Society has brought ‘the great choral works’ to the County since 1861. In its early days the Society was often conducted by Sir Edward Elgar, and premiered two of his choral works. Many WFCS members are selected to sing in the renowned Three Choirs Festival Chorus each summer.

The St Matthew Passion concert starts at 7.00pm For tickets click HERE or call TicketSource on 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).  .