Greater Bridgeport Symphony's 76th Season Continues

Bridgeport CT

18 March, 2022

12:20 PM

Description

Press release from GBS: March 18, 2022 The Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) under the direction of Eric Jacobsen returns to perform Bach's dramatic "St. John Passion" on Saturday April 9 at The Klein in Bridgeport, CT. Joining them will be special guest vocal soloists Ariadne Greif (soprano), Agnes Vojtko (mezzo-soprano), and David Vanderwal (tenor). Vanderwal and Vojtko are both Connecticut artists and new to GBS, but audiences may remember Greif's stunning performance as Musetta in "La Bohème," performed by GBS in December 2016. Also joining them on this special night, will be a large choir of 75 singers comprised of Fairfield County Children's Choir and the Connecticut Chamber Choir, both are local GBS fan favorites. The timing of this passion play couldn't be better: the eve of Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), which will be celebrated worldwide by Christian denominations on April 10 this year. The vocals (presented in English) tell the story of the passion of death of Christ, ensconced in the rich music of Bach. This musical passion play was first presented in 1724 in Leipzig, Germany, and is based on the Gospel of St. John. Bach also wrote another Passion based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, but the St. John version is the more expressive and unbridled of the two – a more passionate Passion. For Feel the Passion, GBS will put a full orchestra onstage, including harpsichord and organ, to bring out the rich Baroque sound of the composition. Conductor Eric Jacobsen has been wanting to play this piece for several years and is excited that the "St. John Passion" is part of GBS's series of live performances this season. "It's so incredible to be back at The Klein, in person with our friends again," said Jacobsen. About the piece, Vojtko says, "Even though the whole journey of the passion is intense and arduous, at the end I always feel cleansed and transformed." Vanderwal feels similarly moved by the music, saying "The St. John is so raw - so emotional, that one can't help but be swept away by the personal drama, angst, and spiritual import of this excruciating story." This will be GBS' third live concert at The Klein this season and will now fully be open to the public (for venue safety guidelines please go HERE). The multi-concert series originally scheduled for March 10-12 has been moved to Friday July 8 and Saturday July 9 at the Mertens Theater at Paier College (formerly the University of Bridgeport). GBS presented live concerts to audiences about 55% of normal size in October and November 2021. The December concert had to be released by livestream and recorded version, due to members of the company testing positive for Covid. "Concert attendance at our live fall concerts was consistent with the national average for people returning to live venues after Covid," said Executive Director Mark Halstead, "but, like everyone, we hope to see numbers on the rise again soon, and hope to see even bigger crowds, safely, for our April and July concerts." Tickets are $18.00 to $65.00 (all fees included) and are available either through www.GBS.org or by contacting GBS at (203) 576-0263 or [email protected]. Family Pack discounts are available; at the lowest-price ticket level, a family of five can attend for $55.50. The Klein has ample free parking, the main level is handicap-accessible, and good seats are still available at all pricing levels. This press release was produced by GBS. The views expressed here are the author's own.