Bach’s St John Passion beyond all routine at the Cologne Philharmonie

On Good Friday, the Gürzenich Orchestra, together with the La Cetra Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Andrea Marcon, performed Bach’s St John Passion at a sold-out Cologne Philharmonie.

Cast:

Shira Patchornik - Sopran
Sara Mingardo - Mezzosopran
Andrew Staples - Tenor
Mirko Ludwig - Tenor
Chirstian Wagner - Bass

“The greatest degree of expressive intensity Marcon devoted to the chorales. Enabled by slow basic tempi, a remarkable richness of dynamics and inner phrasing unfolded here, along with finely detailed figurative expression.”

“And the conductor clearly relishes pulling the music back to the very softest levels, where the sound can occasionally become slightly edgy – not due to any vocal shortcomings, but as a result of the extreme restraint.”

“Marcon evidently succeeded in bringing the spirit of historically informed performance practice to life within this traditional orchestra.”

(Markus Schwering, 06.04.2026, Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger)