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Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performs Bach’s St. John Passion
Soprano Tony Arnold; alto Julia Bentley; tenor John Wesley Wright and baritone Ian Greenlaw join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director Neal Gittleman for a performance of J.S.Bach’s titanic “St. John Passion” on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson Ave.
The work, one of two surviving Passions composed by Bach, is often mistakenly referred to as an opera. Wesminster music director, John Neely said is the piece is, in fact, constructed out of a series of dramatically presented recitatives, chorales, asriosos and aria movements.
“It’s a compilation of the texts leading up to and including the crucifixion of Christ,” Neely said. “There are different characters. There’s the crowd, there is an evangelist who kind of connects things together, and of course, Jesus Christ. It’s a mixture of recitative and choruses. It is definitely not an opera but is very Easter-appropriate.”
Baritone Greenlaw performs the part of Jesus. The Chicago Sun-Times characterized Greenlaw as “possessing a voice both strong and sweet, and matinee idol good looks.” The Washington Post noted that he has “elegant stage presence, a subtle sense of humor and a splendid voice.” Greenlaw is an alumnus of the Pittsburgh Opera Center and the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists.
DPO’s St. John passion is the fifth of six Special Events in DPO’s 2008-2009 Colours Season.
Read more about local arts events, news and reviews at www.daytondailynews.com/artsandentertainment
HOW TO GO What: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performs St. John Passion When: Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson Ave. How Much: $28 to $14 available at Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630
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