René Jacobs, B’Rock Orchestra and Zürcher Sing-Akademie—Bach’s St John Passion

Bach’s most dramatic Passion on instruments from his own era

Of Bach’s two surviving Passions, the St John is the more dramatic and concentrated. Known for its sudden and volatile crowd choruses and emotionally exposed arias, the narrative presses towards the Crucifixion with barely a moment of repose.

René Jacobs has spent more than four decades immersed in Baroque and Classical vocal music, first as a countertenor, then as a conductor, scholar and teacher. His interpretations of Bach are rooted in historically informed performance and a keen ear for characterisation, giving each confrontation and lament a sharp presence.

The maestro conducts the B’Rock Orchestra, a Ghent-based historical instrument ensemble, and the Zürcher Sing-Akademie, a long-term collaborator with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. Together they bring Baroque clarity and colour to one of the most powerful works in the choral repertoire.