J.S. Bach – St Matthew Passion

Each year, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra performs Bach’s Passion music. This year, the orchestra collaborates with the National Mixed Youth Choir.

Ivor Bolton, conductor
Mark Milhofer, tenor (Evangelist & arias)
Olivia Vermeulen, alto
Birgitte Christensen, soprano
Christian Senn, baritone
Johannes Weisser, bass (Christ)
National Mixed Youth Choir
National Boys’ Choir
László Nemes & Irene Verburg, choral conductors

About the St Matthew Passion

Bach’s musical account of the final days of Jesus is both monumental and deeply moving. From the very first notes of the opening chorus, the St Matthew Passion captivates the listener with its almost otherworldly beauty and intensity. Among its many highlights are the poignant soprano aria “Blute nur”, the consoling alto aria “Erbarme dich” with its famous violin solo, and the overwhelming choral movement “Sind Blitze, sind Donner.”

Ivor Bolton

Ivor Bolton is a British conductor known for his work in opera, orchestral music, and historically informed performance. He has held leading positions at major institutions such as the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg and the Teatro Real in Madrid. Bolton is especially respected for his interpretations of Mozart, Baroque repertoire, and early Romantic works, often combining musical precision with expressive clarity. He regularly collaborates with top opera houses and orchestras across Europe and is praised for bringing both energy and stylistic authenticity to his performances.