6 Apr 2021
We were delighted to share our performance of Bach’s St John Passion with audiences across the world over the Easter Weekend, via Deutsche Grammophon’s ‘DG Stage’ platform. We are hugely grateful to everyone who supported this live-streamed event, which marked MCO’s return to performing in 2021.
As well as a wonderful response from our audiences online, the concert received glowing reviews in the press:
“The crowd choruses were thrillingly delivered. Even better was the way Gardiner shaped every word of the chorales for maximum emotional impact, with everybody singing from memory throughout.”
Richard Morrison, ★★★★ The Times – click here to read the full review (Times subscription required)
"An Easter feast for the eyes as well as the ears."
Hugh Canning, ★★★★ The Sunday Times – click here to read the full review (Times subscription required)
“Here, singing from memory, the Monteverdi Choir throw the music straight out to us, enacting as much as narrating the Passion story. The impact is spine-tingling, especially in the mob choruses, the baying cries of “Crucify!”, but also in the chorales, where we feel the congregational spirit of the music so clearly.”
Alexandra Coghlan, ★★★★ i paper – click here to read the full review
“An Easter miracle from Oxford… The voices of the Monteverdi Choir showed their intoxicating force and liveliness in declamation and variance… The English Baroque Soloists orchestrated all of this in such a consistent manner that the newly inflamed desire for their live attendance will hopefully be satisfied as soon as possible.”
Jens Klier, ★★★★★ Bachtrack – click here to read the full review
“The Monteverdi Choir is surely unsurpassable in bright expressiveness; the dramatic trial of Christ flamed.”
David Nice, The Arts Desk – click here to read the full review
“A remarkably powerful performance… The chorus throughout, evenly spread around the theatre, shone.”
Colin Clarke, Seen and Heard International – click here to read the full review
