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)
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Jul 25 2026 – 14:30
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from some of the world’s leading authorities on piano.
Learn More
Steven Osborne
Jul 25 2026 – 19:30
The towering pianistic talent that is Steven Osborne opens the festival at Christ Church Cathedral with two standout masterpieces of the Viennese school.
Learn More
Steven Osborne Masterclass
Jul 26 2026 – 09:30
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from some of the world’s leading authorities on piano.
Learn More