Music / “St John Passion” by JS Bach, Canberra Symphony Orchestra conducted by Elizabeth Scott at Llewellyn Hall, June 30. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

FROM the electrifying singing of the chorus of the opening of Bach’s “St John Passion”, it quickly became apparent that this performance was going to be something special.

Composed for Good Friday 1724, this story of Christ’s passion is dramatic and thoroughly involving as Bach’s glorious music weaves its spell over this much told story. The story begins with Christ in the garden of Gethsemane and continues through his trial and, finally, his crucifixion.

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elizabeth Scott, was joined by soloists Chloe Lankshear, soprano; Andrew O’Connor, bass; David Greco, bass; Tobias Cole, counter tenor and Andrew Goodwin, tenor, also taking over the Evangelist role from Robert Macfarlane, who was indisposed. Dan Walker, tenor, sang the smaller role of Servant.

The orchestra played superbly throughout and the chorus singing, directed by Cole, was strong and accurate, bringing out the full colour and meaning of Bach’s dramatic music.

The singing of the principal parts was notable for the way the distinctive voices complemented each other.

Highlights included Lankshear’s beautiful singing of “Dissolve, my heart, in floods of tears”,  Cole’s aria “It is finished”, Andrew O’Connor’s heartfelt singing throughout of the role of Jesus and Greco’s aria ” My precious saviour, let me ask”. Goodwin gave an extraordinary performance in the large role of the Evangelist, singing it with assurance, drama and great appeal.