St John Passion
St John Passion
Bach St John Passion, BWV 245
James Gilchrist Evangelist
Ashley Riches Christus
Malachy Frame Pilate
Hilary Cronin soprano
Hugh Cutting alto
Oxford Philharmonic Choir
Peter Whelan conductor
Bach’s musical settings of the stories of Christ’s passion – his arrest and crucifixion – reflect the essence of his Lutheran belief that faith can be deepened by reenacting the suffering of Jesus and reminding ourselves of his sacrifice. Bach’s St John Passion emphasises that idea in its urgent combination of raw drama and transcendent beauty. The decade’s breakthrough baroque conductor Peter Whelan joins the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, leading soloists and Oxford Philharmonic Choir at the Sheldonian Theatre to lead this Maundy Thursday performance of Bach’s great work of suffering, redemption and hope.
The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique space to experience live music. To see an interactive map of the theatre click here.
25 Mar 2027
Tickets: £18, £30, £32, £42, £58
(Students from £5)
Duration: 120 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
Upcoming events
View All Events
Tchaikovsky Five
05 Nov 2026 – 19:30
Marios Papadopoulos conducts his first concert of the season and brings with him one of the most riveting pieces in the history of the symphony.
Learn More
Mozart, Debussy and Roussel
14 Nov 2026 – 19:30
Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra come to the Holywell Music Room for flute-led chamber music that celebrates heritage while also reflecting on loss.
Learn More
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
21 Nov 2026 – 19:30
In the galleries of the Sheldonian Theatre, Marios Papadopoulos marshals the most majestic and timeless of sacred works.
Learn More
Tchaikovsky Five
Nov 05 2026 – 19:30
Marios Papadopoulos conducts his first concert of the season and brings with him one of the most riveting pieces in the history of the symphony.
Learn More
Mozart, Debussy and Roussel
Nov 14 2026 – 19:30
Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra come to the Holywell Music Room for flute-led chamber music that celebrates heritage while also reflecting on loss.
Learn More
Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Nov 21 2026 – 19:30
In the galleries of the Sheldonian Theatre, Marios Papadopoulos marshals the most majestic and timeless of sacred works.
Learn More