A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity? Maybe not quite, but who knows?

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2 min read

For any lover of choral music, or classical music, or great music in any genre (well, maybe not hip-hop!), the opportunity to see a work as special as Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion is not one to be dismissed lightly. It’s not something that comes along with any degree of regularity, so it wouldn’t be surprising that it’s unfamiliar to lots of people. And as a result, many people are unaware of what a magnificent musical and emotional experience it is.

Before Oriana Choir entered into rehearsals several months ago, many of our members, myself included, were among that cohort. But as time went by and we became more and more familiar with the music, it became very apparent that this was, and is something truly, truly special and significant. Bach composed his master work in 1727. His librettist was Christian Friedrich Henrici, writing under the pen name Picander, and taking his inspiration from Chapters 26 and 27 of St Matthew’s Gospel. Together they created what is arguably the greatest re-telling of the Passion of Christ ever set to music.

The music of the Passion, both chorally and orchestrally, is very complex in its construction, and yet it is incredibly beautiful to listen to. One doesn’t need any knowledge of music theory or composition in order to enjoy and be deeply moved by this work. From the very opening bars of the orchestra, the drama is there, you can sense immediately that you are in for quite a journey. And Bach and Picander do not disappoint. You don’t have to be a believer for this work to move you. But if you are, you will not be immune to its spiritual and emotional power.

It’s not for nothing that St Matthew Passion is universally regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest musical works of the Baroque Age. Given the relative rarity of occasions when it is performed, it pretty much qualifies as a bucket-list artistic experience. To the best of my knowledge, Oriana’s upcoming presentation at Venue 114 is a Sunshine Coast first. Who knows when the opportunity to see and hear it will come again? For many people it most surely would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Don’t miss it. It’s too special to let it go by.

Ian Rix

November 4, 2026

J.S.Bach St. Matthew Passion

Sunday 8 November, 2:00pm

Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

For bookings and information, go to www.oriana.org.au