Musique Royale: St John Passion by J.S. Bach

Musique Royale proudly presents the King’s College Chapel performing J.S. Bach’s St John Passion the weekend before Easter. Director Paul Halley describes the piece as “possibly Bach’s most intense and dramatic work.” Halley explains, “Bach was clearly moved by the gospel texts and the profound effect of these words on him has resulted in music of enormous power and poignancy.” The choir will be joined by 17 instrumentalists playing period instruments, and 6 vocal soloists from the early music scene in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. The University of King’s College has won a reputation for presenting world-class performances of the great Baroque masterworks right here in Nova Scotia.

About the Chapel Choir: The University of King’s College Chapel Choir comprises 24 choral scholars from across Canada who study at King’s College and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Directed by Paul Halley, the choir has become well-known for its annual King’s at the Cathedral concert series, and its performances have been broadcast nationally on CBC Radio 2. The choir’s primary function is to sing at the weekly services in the King’s College Chapel, as well as other major services throughout the academic year. The choir’s CD, Let Us Keep the Feast: Music for the Church Year, was released in December 2013 to launch the university’s 225th anniversary year and received the Outstanding Choral Recording Award from Choral Canada.

About the University of King’s College: Established in 1789, King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, King’s is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities and journalism. www.ukings.ca