We are now over half way through the rehearsals for Bach’s St John Passion..

What a privilege it is to sing such glorious music under the direction of Carlos Alvarado.  He not only teaches us the notes, but also draws us into the music and the meaning behind it.

For example, he describes the spirals of the orchestral introduction to the first chorus as rivers leading inexorably to the sea, representing mankind in its quest for God, and realised in the first three chords for the Choir: “Lord, Lord, Lord!”.

Carlos fits each chorale carefully into its context, demanding sensitive singing to match the situation.  Last night, for example, he demonstrated to us how a couple of bars describing in words and in notes, the ascent to heaven, should be sung.

This promises to be a memorable performance, which will be the culmination of many weeks of hard work.  As our President, Roger Pratt, has commented, this is the most challenging work we have ever sung, but it will also be hugely satisfying.