TWO former pupils of Wells Cathedral School return to Wells Cathedral on Friday 27th March to take part in a performance of Bach’s masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion, with the Armonico choir and baroque orchestra.

The ensembles are conducted by their founder Christopher Monks. He and tenor soloist Nathan Vale were organ and choral scholars respectively, under Wells’ late organist Tony Crossland. Now they are returning with some of the world’s finest baroque players and soloists, alongside the cathedral choristers who helped shape their musical journeys.

Bach’s St Matthew Passion, one of the most powerful and dramatic choral works, was composed specially for Easter 299 years ago. It is widely regarded as the greatest of all the Passion settings. The conductor says: “Whatever your spiritual beliefs, it is a work of genius, combining the most perfectly formed recitative and powerful choruses with beautiful arias in the most dramatic, almost operatic, way.”

Christopher Monks founded Armonico Consort almost 25 years ago and the group is now a renowned choir and ensemble known for its innovative performances of choral masterpieces and musical discoveries. Its musicians play on instruments of the period, giving a real flavour of how Bach would have heard his own music.

Bach’s St Matthew Passion will be performed at Wells Cathedral on Friday 27th March at 7pm.