Concert: Bach St Matthew Passion

17:30, Sat, 2 May 2026

  • Event Details
  •  
  • Type of event: Performance
    Start time: 17:30
    End time: 22:15
    Venue: Church of St Peter & St Paul
    The Green
    Chingford
    E4 7ES
    Description: Concert: Bach St Matthew Passion

    Preview video click here

    London Forest Choir
    Sylvan Ensemble 
    Choristers of Chingford Parish Church

    Evangelist: Andrew Kennedy, tenor
    Christus: Jimmy Holliday, bass
    Amelia Berridge, soprano
    Freya Jacklin, alto
    Richard Dowling, tenor
    Paul Sheehan, bass 
    conducted by Jonathan Rathbone

    ‘What a formidable challenge the St Matthew Passion is, but the Forest Choir rose to it magnificently - all the drama and the terrible pathos were there, and this listener had tears rolling down his cheeks at regular intervals.
    The soloists and orchestra were superb, but the point is that musicians of this calibre will only work with choirs they respect and enjoy. An unforgettable evening.'

    A brilliant and compelling performance throughout'
    ‘Very impressive - the most professional performance I’ve seen the choir give.’
    'A triumphant performance'
     
    Comments from the orchestra:
    "It was a wonderful concert. The choir sang superbly. I honestly think it’s the best I’ve ever heard them sing - and I’ve been listening to them for a very long time! The tuning was great - especially the a cappella arias and the words were really clear. Bravo to all of you!”
    "It was a pleasure to play the Matthew Passion on Saturday. A wonderful performance! I hope the opportunity to play with you again arises soon.”
    It was a really fun day and a wonderful performance - I was very pleased to be a part of it! "