Bach Collegium Japan fetes anniversary year with passion

Bach Collegium Japan: July 28, Masaaki Suzuki conducting in Suntory Hall -- "Saint John Passion," BWV 245 (Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750) featuring Gerd Tyrk, Stephan MacLeod, Chiyuki Urano, Midori Suzuki and Robin Blaze

July 28, when the "Saint John Passion" was presented, was a symbolic date: 250 years to the day when the greatest master of the baroque ceased his endeavors.

Suntory Hall did not miss the opportunity to recognize such a musical milestone, and planned a series this year of Bach's three major choral works, the "Saint Matthew Passion," the "Saint John" and the B-minor Mass. The performances and attendant lectures were entrusted to Bach scholar Masaaki Suzuki, conducting the Bach Collegium Japan. The collegium is a modified period performance-style ensemble comprising 16 voices, 24 instruments and the central, unifying, solo tenor part for the evangelist.