St Matthew Passion

Also this season, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra returns to tell the Easter story through one of the greatest classical works of all time: the St Matthew Passion, also known as Matthäus-Passion, by Johannes Sebastian Bach. The St Matthew Passion was first performed on Good Friday in 1727 and became an important tradition during Easter. This religious celebration of Easter is a true dichotomy between death and life, end and beginning, sorrow and joy.

The birth of tradition

A powerful 3-hour masterpiece tells the story of the last days of Christ's life, performed by solo voices, a double orchestra, and a double choir. This special music leaves no one indifferent. Feelings of love, loss and togetherness are important themes.

 In 1870 the St Matthew Passion made its debut in Rotterdam. Due to the great interest in this piece, more performances followed throughout the country. Eventually, the St Matthew Passion on Good Friday became an annual tradition. Even now, after more than 150 years, the St. Matthew Passion is well attended. Everyone knows this masterpiece, regardless of interest in classical music. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is happy to continue this longstanding tradition. 

A story behind the piece

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the St Matthew Passion during his long tenure as conductor of church music and cantor of the school at Thomaskirch in Leipzig. This late baroque oratorio aimed to present the passion story in music during the vespers services on Good Friday. After its great success, this piece was performed several times during the composer's lifetime. Originally, Bach composed five passions, but only music for St. John and St. Matthew has survived to this day. Don't miss the chance to experience the best of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra's Matthäus-Passion tradition!