The Peterborough Singers present Bach's "St. Matthew's Passion"

There are some sacred works of art that reach out to believers and non-believers alike. For art, it might be Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. For sculpture, perhaps it’s Michelangelo’s Pieta. But for music, it is beyond doubt Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Be sure to experience this monumental choral work for yourself, when it is presented by the Peterborough Singers with guest soloists Gary Relyea, Eric Shaw, Agnes Zsigovics, Anita Krause, and Benjamin Covey at George Street United Church, Saturday May 10, 2008, 7:30 pm.

St. Matthew Passion follows the story of the final days in Jesus’ life based on the Gospel of Matthew. It is a sung drama, with a story-teller Evangelist (Eric Shaw), Christus (Gary Relyea), Judas and Peter and other characters, while the choir takes on the role of “extras” - the angry crowd, the disciples, or the priests. Interspersed through this drama, we hear heart-wrenchingly beautiful solos, in this case sung by Soprano Agnes Zsigovics, Mezzo-Soprano Anita Krause, Tenor Eric Shaw and bass Benjamin Covey. The solos comment on the meaning of the events as they unfold, and often implore the listener to enter into the story. The choir also occasionally stands back to reflect on the action in choruses or hymn-like chorales, which in Bach’s day would have included the entire congregation in the singing.

Accompanying the performance will be venerable organist Ian Sadler, acclaimed Canadian violinist Erika Raum, and local flautist Sarah Young. Peterborough Singers is a highly-regarded ensemble of over ninety members, singing under the inspired directorship of Sydney Birrell. It reached the finals of the CBC Radio Choral Competition for Amateur Choirs, has been a magnet for world-class soloists, and traveled to the UK in summer 2007 to perform evensong at Winchester Cathedral.

Tickets are $26 (adults) and $10 (students), and are available at Uptown Music, Titles Bookstore, Emmaus Family Books, Pammett’s Flower Shop in Peterborough, Happenstance Books & Yarns (Lakefield), and Stewart-Morrison Insurance (Lindsay) or by calling the Peterborough Singers office (Phone 705-745-1820 or Email singers@peterboroughsingers.com)

For more information, please contact Lynn Cummings, Business Manager at 705-745-1820 or at singers@peterboroughsingers.com, or visit www.peterboroughsingers.com.