Choir brings the Passion in song to Torrington ahead of Holy Week

The story of Christ’s journey to the cross will be portrayed in music and song at the end of March in Torrington.

North Devon Choral Society and professional soloists from the renowned Divertimento Ensemble will be performing Bach’s St John Passion at St Michael and All Angels Church on Saturday, March 28 from 7.30pm.

Led by conductor John Hobbs, in the atmospheric setting of Torrington’s great church, the choir will become in turn a howling mob before Pontius Pilate, dismissive soldiers dividing his clothes among themselves before the cross and finally the sorrowful singers of what is almost a lullaby as Christ’s tortured body is laid to rest.

Above: Join North Devon Choral Society in Torrington on March 28. Credit: North Devon Choral Society 

First performed in Leipzig in 1724 and based on St John’s account of the crucifixion, this work tells the story of Christ’s journey to the Cross in an extraordinarily emotional and moving way.

The story is explained throughout by a narrator - the Evangelist, to be sung by the tenor, Ben Hoadley, who has performed both as a cellist and a singer extensively throughout Cornwall, both in concert and opera. Ben is also a member of the award-winning Redruth based Celtic Male Ensemble.

The central role of Jesus is sung by the bass Tim Mirfin from Devon. His career has taken him to many countries around the world in opera and concert performance ranging from Welsh National Opera to the Bolshoi in Moscow, working with many famous conductors.

Soprano Katie Wright, also Devon based, will sing the role of Ancilla, the maidservant who accuses Peter of being a follower of Jesus. Other solo parts will be sung by members of the choir.

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The concert will also be the first outing for North Devon Choral Society’s brand-new staging, after the old staging became unsafe.

The new staging cost £14,000 and members have been contributing to a special staging appeal and taking part in fundraising events.

Audience members at the concert will also be invited to donate towards the appeal if they wish.

Tickets to the concert are £20, with children and students admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the door, from Torrington Jewellers, Walter Henry's Bookshop in Bideford or Tarka Books in Barnstaple.

They are also available from choir members and by calling 07414 255500.