Spend a Saturday in January singing one of the greatest works ever written for choir. Join Benjamin Kirk and the Lea Singers for a day exploring Bach’s St John Passion, ahead of our performance at St Nicholas Church in March.
What?
Bach wrote the St John Passion for Good Friday in Leipzig in 1724, and it remains one of the most dramatic pieces in the choral repertoire. The choir does a lot of the storytelling, from the huge, churning opening chorus to the chorales that give the whole thing its moments of stillness, and in between it plays the crowd, which means you get the rare chance to shout at people in a church and be thanked for it.
Under Ben’s direction we’ll spend the day working through the choruses and chorales, then share what we’ve learned in an informal performance for friends and family at the end of the afternoon. Whether you’ve sung it before or are meeting it for the first time, it’s a brilliant way to get under the skin of the piece, and to meet the Lea Singers along the way.
Where and when?
St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden, AL5 2TP map
Registration from 9.45am, with singing starting at 10.30am. The workshop finishes around 3:30pm with an informal performance for friends and family at 4pm.
How much?
£15 (students and under-18s £10). Tea, coffee and cake are included, and scores will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.
How do I sign up?
Book your place using the button above.
If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].
Then come and hear the real thing: the Lea Singers perform the St John Passion at St Nicholas Church on 20th March 2027.