St Matthew Passion
St Matthew Passion
Bach St Matthew Passion, BWV 244
Nicholas Mulroy evangelist
Ashley Riches christus
Julia Doyle soprano
Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano
Guy Cutting tenor
Michael Mofidian bass-baritone
Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford
The Boys of Radley College
Owen Rees conductor
On 11 April 1727, Bach’s day-to-day industry delivered what many consider to be his masterpiece: his ‘great passion’ after St Matthew’s Gospel. Bach didn’t generally write for posterity, but even he sensed this piece might outlive him, making special efforts to make his musical telling of Christ’s final days on earth sing with divinity and speak with humanity. The choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford and the boy choristers of Radley College join the Orchestra and handpicked soloists for this performance under Owen Rees of the composition able, in the words of Sir Nicholas Kenyon, ‘to reach beyond sectarianism and even beyond religious observance, to say something to the whole of humanity'.
02 Mar 2025
Tickets: £18, £30, £40, £54
(Students from £5)
Duration: 170 min
Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street
(Students from £5)
Upcoming events
View All EventsHandel Messiah
11 Dec 2025 – 19:00
Join Marios Papadopoulos and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir for a Yuletide celebration of celestial joy and human togetherness.
Learn MoreA Viennese New Year
04 Jan 2026 – 16:30
Prepare to party like its 1899 as the Oxford Philharmonic brings in the New Year with the stirring marches, pointed polkas and elegant waltzes of Austrian tradition.
Learn MoreChamber Music at Merton
18 Jan 2026 – 15:00
A captivating programme unfolds with the soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing a rich blend of Czech and French musical traditions.
Learn MoreHandel Messiah
Dec 11 2025 – 19:00
Join Marios Papadopoulos and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir for a Yuletide celebration of celestial joy and human togetherness.
Learn MoreA Viennese New Year
Jan 04 2026 – 16:30
Prepare to party like its 1899 as the Oxford Philharmonic brings in the New Year with the stirring marches, pointed polkas and elegant waltzes of Austrian tradition.
Learn MoreChamber Music at Merton
Jan 18 2026 – 15:00
A captivating programme unfolds with the soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing a rich blend of Czech and French musical traditions.
Learn More