by InTrieste
In a stunning celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Passion According to St. John, the cathedrals of Udine and Trieste will host a pair of extraordinary performances on March 26 and 27, 2025. The two concerts, featuring the Orchestra of the Fondazione Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi di Trieste and the Chorus of Friuli Venezia Giulia, will be held in the historic Cathedrals of Santa Maria Annunziata in Udine and San Giusto Martire in Trieste, both starting at 8:00 PM.
The Johannes-Passion (BWV 245), a monumental work composed by Bach in 1724, tells the story of Christ’s crucifixion through a dramatic and emotional narrative, with texts drawn from various sources, including the writings of poet Barthold Heinrich Brockes. The performance will be conducted by Giulio Prandi, a celebrated expert in early and Baroque music, known for his work with the Orchestra of the Ghislieri Foundation and as a frequent guest at prestigious venues such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
The concert will feature an impressive cast of soloists: Irish tenor Robin Tritschler, a sought-after Bach performer, will sing the role of the Evangelist; Chilean baritone Christian Senn, recognized for his Bach performances, will portray Jesus; and young soprano Vittoriana De Amicis will join mezzo-soprano Marta Fumagalli and tenor Manuel Amati in other key roles. Bass Manuel Sedmak, a rising talent in the region, will sing the role of Pilate.
The collaboration between the Orchestra of the Verdi Foundation and the Chorus of Friuli Venezia Giulia aims to honor both the spiritual and cultural significance of the piece within the Lenten season.
Giuliano Polo, Superintendent of the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi di Trieste, emphasized the symbolic union of the two cathedrals through this performance, celebrating Bach’s work as part of the region’s broader cultural effort. The project has received support from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Danieli & C., and Trieste Trasporti.
The Passion According to St. John has been celebrated for its emotional depth and historical importance, making it an ideal choice for uniting the community in reflection during Lent, while also acknowledging the significant role of the Church in supporting the arts throughout history.
Interview: deputy governor of FVG, Mario Anzil
