Performer: Bach Collegium Japan

In its 300th anniversary year, Bach's St John Passion returns to the BBC Proms, with Masaaki Suzuki leading the Bach Collegium Japan. 

In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Bach's St John Passion, Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan gives a compelling performance of the lesser-known 1725 version of work.

For a year and a half since their European tour was cut short due to the outbreak of the pandemic, Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan have been grounded in Japan, performing domestically despite restrictions.

Three beautiful cantatas from Bach and his Mass in F major made for a rewarding concert with the Bach Collegium Japan. Suzuki directs a thoughtful and heartfelt rendition and is joined by a quartet of excellent soloists. 

Masaaki Suzuki and the Bach Collegium Japan deliver a generally satisfying Mass in B minor.

Masaaki Suzuki leads Bach Collegium Japan in delicate renderings of the Orchestral Suite no.3, the Double Concerto and the Magnificat that convince more in the slower passages.

Renowned Japanese conductor returns to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to perform unusual music from Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda – an influence on Robert Schumann, who described him as “unique in the world of symphonies”.

The second half of this year’s Proms season heats up with visits from the Czech Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – along with operas by Bizet and Britten.