Bach's St Matthew Passion is one of the most powerful and dramatic choral works ever written.

Composed specially for Easter 299 years ago, it will be brought to life at Wells Cathedral on Friday 27 March (7pm) by the critically-acclaimed, five star awarded choir and baroque orchestra Armonico Consort and Wells Cathedral Choir.

For Armonico Consort's founder/director Christopher Monks, and tenor soloist Nathan Vale (who sings the role of the Evangelist), the performance will be particularly special.

Both musicians – now top professionals – spent their formative years at Wells Cathedral as Organ and Choral scholars respectively, under the late organist Tony Crossland. They are delighted to return with some of the world's finest Baroque players and soloists, performing Bach's masterpiece alongside the cathedral choristers who helped shape their musical journeys.

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.

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Bach's St Matthew Passion is at Wells Cathedral on Friday 27 March (7pm). Tickets and details at www.wellscathedral.org.uk or 01749 674483

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