Johannes-Passion met René Jacobs en Cappella Amsterdam

Passion music conducted by René Jacobs

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, which plays Bach's St Matthew and St John Passion every other year, regularly collaborates with Cappella Amsterdam, one of the best choirs in the Netherlands. In 2021 they brought a shortened version of the Johannes-Passion , this year the full version will be performed with six soloists conducted by René Jacobs. This successful Belgian conductor, singer and baroque specialist was once one of the first countertenors in the Netherlands to sang the alto arias in the St Matthew Passion before an audience in the Netherlands.

Bach's Johannes Passion

Bach completed his Johannes-Passion a few years before his St Matthew Passion . He wrote the masterpiece for his first Good Friday as cantor in Leipzig in 1724. The choir plays a remarkable role: it depicts the people who shout, shout and swear a lot. The unstoppable popular anger comes to a head as a kind of courtroom drama with the inevitable condemnation of Jesus to death on the cross. Together with his St Matthew Passion , Bach's St John Passion is one of the most popular passion music.

The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra | Netherlands Chamber Orchestra

The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra | Netherlands Chamber Orchestra is one of the most versatile cultural organisations in The Netherlands, consisting of two orchestras. Both orchestras organise diverse concert programmes in The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam and are welcome guests on foreign stages and festivals. Both the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra as the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra bring classical music to life at the highest level and collaborates closely with international guest soloists and conductors. It takes great pleasure in welcoming and developing new musical talent. Lorenzo Viotti is appointed chief conductor of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra is led by artistic leader Gordan Nicolić.

Inviting programming

Both the orchestras have most important trademarks as their inviting programming and accessible concert presentation. Everyone is welcome to a concert, both experienced concert-goers and newcomers alike. The musicians guarantee an exceptional listening experience thanks to the enthusiasm with which they share their passion for music with the audience. The orchestras’ concerts also form the basis for related events, including opportunities for audience members to meet soloists and orchestral performers. The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Netherlands Chamber orchestra strongly believe that music connects people. Therefore the mission of the organisation is to help make classical music accessible to everyone.