Seicento Baroque Ensemble Making History Concert Series with International Guest Stars & Period Instruments

 Seicento Baroque Ensemble, Colorado’s premier choral ensemble performing with historic instruments, presents J.S. Bach’s St. John’s Passion, May 5, 6, and 7, in Denver, Arvada, and Boulder. For the first time in Colorado, audiences will experience this monumental piece with the instruments Bach had in mind when he composed it in 1724.

Known for their outstanding, historically authentic performances of 17th century works, Seicento has presented unusual works such as the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 that other choirs avoid because of  the vocal demands and the requirement of historic instruments such as sackbuts and cornettos. The St. John Passion calls for instruments (and instrumentalists) unavailable in Colorado, so Seicento will bring in professional musicians from the U.S. and Europe to play baroque violin, oboe, and flutes (called traverso).

Bach’s St. John Passion stands with his St. Matthew Passion and Mass in B minor in a triumvirate of majestic and complex baroque sacred compositions. The choir is central to the work, singing interpolated settings of chorale melodies and an array of large choral movements, performed with Seicento’s trademark flair and informed baroque style.

Seicento’s founding director, Evanne Browne, directs the choir and ensemble. Guest concertmaster is Dr. Mimi Mitchell from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Vocal soloists include tenor Daniel Hutchings as the Evangelist; Amanda Balestrieri, soprano; Roger O. Isaacs, countertenor; Benjamin Boskoff, tenor; Scott Perry as Jesus; and Seicento’s apprentice artist, Nathan Jensen, bass.

Tickets are $15 – 50. For concert locations, directions, times and tickets, visit www.seicentobaroque.org.