St John Passion Easter 2024

On Saturday 23 March 2024, we presented a very 21st century take on this 18th century towering masterpiece. Chorus of Dissent once again went where no choir has gone before, with a semi-staged version of Bach’s dramatic setting of the Easter story, featuring Chorus of Dissent, members of the congregation of St Matthias, and supported, by our own Elastic Band.

With Jumoké Fashola as The Evangelist, Thomas Nießen as Jesus, William Petty reprising his role as Pontius Pilate, Clara Sanabras taking the soprano solo, Benedict Randall Shaw as the bass, and Father David Lambert as Simon Peter.

Bach himself always mixed old and new, and tailored his performances to his audience, expecting them actively to take part. Sounds just like a typical Dissenters’ concert, doesn’t it? Choir, orchestra AND audience.

This was very special performance of one of the very best pieces of music ever written and heralded the beginning of another wonderful Dissenters’ season. Directed by Ruth Whitehead with stage direction by Cecilia Darker.