Last month we visited the welcoming campus of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles for a rousing and very spiritual rendition of Yuval Ron’s “Rumi’s Wedding,” an inspiring mashup of Jewish, Christian and Muslim music and dance.
Now the esteemed church will host a performance of the life-affirming Baroque music-masterpiece, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, performed in memory of Los Angeles arts philanthropist, Richard Colburn.
Mr. Colburn, a longtime supporter of classical music, regularly visited Naarden in the Netherlands and was greatly moved by the Netherlands Bach Society’s performance of St. Matthew Passion, which has taken place on Good Friday annually since 1921. In his memory, The Colburn Foundation has provided a special grant for this performance in hopes that the Bach masterwork for instrument and voice will become an annual tradition in Los Angeles.
Two Baroque orchestras will perform with a double choir and an award-winning cast of American and European vocal soloists. This thrillingly intense music will soar in the beautiful acoustics of the First Congregational Church.
Hey, arts people, this day-long dalliance with Bach begins at 10:30 am with an organ prelude and Sunday service into which Musica Angelica’s sound will be interspersed. This Sunday daytime stuff is free — and seems like a wonderful opportunity for meditation and thought. The Passion, a ticketed event, rolls out at 6 pm. It’s a life experience to hear this mighty score performed live. Parking and a six pm reception included. So go!
J. S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion | Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra | First Congregational Church | Sunday March 24, 3 pm