Concert — Easter Oratorio — Bach Festival XI

Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra

Andrew Parrott (United Kingdom) — conductor
Vocal soloists — to be announced

Johann Sebastian Bach — Easter Oratorio (Oster-Oratorium), BWV 249

The Easter Oratorio will be the central concert of the 11th Bach Festival of the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra. British conductor Andrew Parrott will return to the podium; the ensemble recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his work as the orchestra’s honorary conductor.

Bach first presented the oratorio in Leipzig on Easter Sunday in 1725. Its protagonists — Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Peter, and John — hurry to the tomb and together experience the transition from grief to the joy of the Resurrection.

The work opens with a festive symphony featuring trumpets and timpani, followed by a contemplative Adagio. Recitatives, solo arias, and choruses transform the Gospel story into a vivid drama, concluding with a solemn chorus of thanksgiving.

The full program of the 11th Bach Festival and the lineup of soloists will be published later.