Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Easter concert with Teddy Tahu Rhodes and the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra

Join Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for the ultimate Easter musical experience – a rare performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s 1841 interpretation of Bach’s revered St Matthew Passion, performed in historically informed style on 19th-century period instruments and conducted by renowned choral conductor Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Associate Music Director, Elizabeth Scott.

This remarkable concert will be presented for one night only in the magnificent surrounds of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Thursday April 17. It’s an exceptional opportunity to experience the music as Mendelssohn himself had envisioned it, alive with the Romantic-era’s expanded volume, colours and textures.

Elizabeth Scott:

This monumental work not only showcases the profound musical genius of Bach but also embodies Mendelssohn’s visionary interpretation, blending reverence with innovation. I am excited to dive into the sound world of the 19th century in collaboration with the amazing musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, our stellar team of soloists and of course, the exquisite voices of VOX and Chamber Singers, to re-discover the St Matthew Passion through a new lens.

Following his commanding performance in Mendelssohn’s Elijah in 2024, the Choirs are thrilled to welcome star baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes back to the stage for St Matthew Passion, performing the lead role of Christus. Rhodes is part of a starry line-up of soloistsincluding Penelope Mills, Emily Edmonds, Andrew O’Connor, Andrew Goodwin in the role of the Evangelist, and the virtuoso singers of the Choirs’ acclaimed Chamber Singers and VOX.

The Age:

In an exciting first, this concert sees Sydney Philharmonia Choirs joined by musicians from the acclaimed Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO), led from the violin by ARCO co-Artistic Director Rachel Beesley. Renowned for bringing historical insights and new perspectives to masterpieces from the Classical and Romantic periods, ARCO’s performances are “rich, impassioned, and faultlessly realised … a thrilling example of HIP [historically informed performance] with all the right strings attached.

Sydney ticket holders are also invited to a free pre-concert talk on the Concert Hall’s Northern Foyer stairs, 6pm Thursday April 17. Grab a drink at the bar and join 2MBS Fine Music presenter Peter Poole in conversation with ARCO Co-Artistic Director and General Manager Nicole van Bruggen for this fascinating 30-minute presentation, allowing plenty of time to find your seat before the concert.

Widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music, Bach’s St Matthew Passion brings to life the story of Jesus’ last days as told in the Bible by St Matthew the Evangelist.

With hundreds of performances of the acclaimed oratorio taking place across the globe during the traditional Christian Easter feasts each year, it’s hard to imagine that Bach’s Baroque masterpiece (and Bach himself) was once all but forgotten; and that a passionate young Romantic composer – Mendel ssohn – could play such a vital role in changing musical history.

Season Details

Venue:  Sydney Opera House| Concert Hall
Date: 17 Apr 2025

For more information click HERE