Portsmouth Choral Union - St John Passion by Bob Chilcott

With the ghost of J S Bach looming over his or her shoulder, it is a brave composer who will tackle writing a new setting of ‘The St. John Passion’, yet Bob Chilcott has done just that.    As the story unfolds Chilcott introduces five well-known Passiontide hymn texts – with newly composed melodies designed to be sung by choir and audience together – so you will have the opportunity to join in, if you wish.  

The music is moving, reflective and dramatic by turns.  It is melodic and memorable, as might be expected from a composer who runs John Rutter a close second when it comes to writing Christmas Carols.  Composer and conductor Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong connection with singing and choirs.

Portsmouth Choral Union’s performance of this work is the Portsmouth premiere and is not to be missed.

The programme also includes Lo! The Full Final Sacrifice by Gerald Finzi.

Saturday 16th March at St Mary’s Church Portsea, beginning at 5.30. 

Tickets £17.50 (£2.50 for students and children) are available ‘on the door’ – card payments only, or from www.pcuchoir.org