Bach's St John Passion

The Brighton Festival is hitting its 60th year, and there is a sense of change in the air with Lucy Davies taking over the leadership. One of the main announcements for the upcoming season is a production of Bach’s St John Passion, scheduled for 4 May 2026 at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall. This production differs from a standard recital as it is being presented as a "bold new staging," which incorporates theatrical or visual elements into the performance. This is part of the festival's "new era," which presents historical works in a modern context for its 60th anniversary.

The musical side of the event involves a wide range of performers. The Britten Sinfonia will be the lead orchestra, and they are collaborating with young soloists from Les Arts Florissants. This choice brings a specific style of performance to the solo roles, paired with the local presence of the Brighton Festival Chorus. The inclusion of the Youth Choir is also a significant detail, as it brings younger local singers into the mix alongside the more established festival regulars. The production combines professional international talent with Brighton’s own choral community, which is a recurring feature for the festival’s concert hall events.

Regarding ticket availability, the sale period has begun. As of 19 February, members have priority access, and the general sale opens on 26 February. The event is taking place at the Brighton Dome, and it is one of the large-scale events on the calendar aimed at those who follow the classical programme. The festival includes these types of productions in its schedule, and this 60th-anniversary edition features this Bach performance as part of the programme. It is an opportunity to see a familiar piece of music presented according to the festival's current programming direction.