(photo © John Sachs)
OCTOBER 25, 2026
The festival concludes with the towering drama of Bach’s St. John Passion, a work of blazing intensity and deep spiritual resonance that brings this celebratory weekend to an unforgettable close. This concert will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Town House at 1 Grove Street in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Bach's St. John Passion is one of the towering masterpieces of Western music, combining dramatic storytelling, profound spirituality, and extraordinary musical invention. Under the direction of Colin Mann, the Festival Chorus and Festival Ensemble are joined by acclaimed soloists Charles Blandy as the Evangelist, Will Prapestis as Jesus, Jared Swope as Pilate, Mary Bonhag, Wee-Kiat Chia, Will Doreza, Jason Rober and Gene Stenger to bring this monumental work to life. Rich with expressive arias, stirring chorales, and electrifying choruses, the St. John Passion vividly portrays the final hours of Christ's life with remarkable emotional depth, making for a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to the 2026 Viva Bach Peterborough Festival. Buy tickets here or purchase a discounted pass for the entire festival.
Featuring
Charles Blandy, Evangelist
Will Prapestis, Jesus Jared Swope , Pilate
Mary Bonhag, soprano
Wee-Kiat Chia, countertenor
Will Doreza, bass-baritone
Jason Rober, baritone Gene Stenger, tenor
Festival Chorus and Chamber Orchestra
Colin Mann, conductor
Julie Leven, concertmaster