Arvo Pärt Passio

The Song Company presents the sounds of Arvo Pärt in Passio In collaboration with Christopher Watson and the Choir of Trinity College, Melbourne.

A timely repeat of this 20th-century minimalist masterpiece: Arvo Pärt’s setting of the St John Passion is a mesmerizing minimalist masterpiece—with the most concentrated of musical means Pärt communicates the depth and universal spirituality of the Passion story.

In Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi secundum Joannem, Arvo Pärt divides the text of the St John Passion into a narrative sung by the Evangelist Quartet with accompanying instrumental quartet, and dialogue by Jesus, Pilate and other characters sung by the soloists and chorus with organ.

Arvo Pärt says: "I have discovered that it is enough when a single note is beautifully played. This one note, or a silent beat, or a moment of silence, comforts me."

Antony Pitts, Artistic Director of The Song Company, says: "I first conducted this masterwork at New College, Oxford, and later recorded it with Tonus Peregrinus in discussion with Arvo Pärt himself, leading to a new and precise articulation of the many moments of silence in Passio (on what turned out to be an award-winning and chart-topping album). Passio stands out for me as one of the most telling works of the late 20th century and never fails to draw me into its extraordinarily emotive soundworld with its uncanny underlining of the text of the St John Passion."

Trinity College Choir Director of Music, Christopher Watson says: "I first encountered Passio as a young singer in Durham and will never forget the effect the performance had on me. It is unlike every other setting of the Passion story, an intensely meditative and timeless piece which ends in a blaze of glory with a confident prayer for mercy."

During Lent and in the lead up to Easter, these concerts are rare and shouldn’t be missed! Tickets for this/these performances are now available—discounts available for 2019 season subscription holders.