Classical Preview: In good heart for a new Passion

“The chorus has been in existence not far short of 200 years, and it’s difficult to believe, but this is the very first time it has ever performed Bach’s St John Passion,” says John Pryce-Jones, the Halifax Choral Society’s music director. “It is one of the great works in the choral repertoire, and at present I think that with around 110 singers we have the ideal size of choir to perform it.

“The rehearsal period has been a wonderful experience. We have had the amount of time to get into the extraordinary depth that the music offers, and we have chosen to perform it in Halifax Minster where the acoustic will give the work the right amount of resonance.”

Despite so many financial cuts in the arts, the chorus, who are extremely fortunate to have worked so long with Pryce-Jones, one of the UK’s most experienced vocal conductors who divides his time with conducting the Northern Ballet Theatre, are starting this difficult period on a secure financial footing, and are looking towards expansion in the coming year.

Sunday night’s performance features the Yorkshire tenor, Joshua Ellicott, who last night opened in Opera North’s new production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, with Sarah Jane-Brandon, Madeleine Shaw and Darren Jeffrey completing the solo quartet. They are partnered by The North of England Classical Orchestra.

Halifax Choral Society, Halifax Minster, April 17, 7.30pm. 01422 351158.