CCM Philharmonia and Choirs present J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion"

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music's Orchestral and Choral programs unite to present J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 in Corbett Auditorium. Featuring the work of students, faculty and guest artists, the staged performance retells the story of the events leading up to the trial of Jesus, his crucifixion and burial. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office. 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest sacred Baroque works, CCM Choral joins forces with CCM Orchestral and CCM Theatre Design and Production students to produce this historical masterwork. CCM’s production presents the classic oratorio augmented with innovative staging and lighting. “The staging enhances the Passion story without interfering with the spiritual and narrative nature of the music,” says CCM Director of Choral Studies Joe Miller. “Audiences will experience an immersive concert with music for soloists, two choirs, and two orchestras.”

Though it was written as a spiritual work, with text taken from bible verses and Christian chorales, the concepts and lessons taught in Bach’s music transcend religion, focusing on the unifying bond of humanity. “This is a text about taking responsibility for how we treat others,” Miller says, describing how the work creates a space where listeners can focus on the interpersonal, with philosophical discussions of humanism, consonance and identity. “In that way, it is a story that is approachable for everyone.”

Combining top performing groups from throughout CCM, J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion features student performers from the CCM Chamber Choir, Chorale and Philharmonia, with guests from the Cincinnati Youth Choir Bel Canto. This one-night-only concert also features guest artist Ezra Seltzer, cello; and faculty artists Daniel Weeks, Evangelist; Kenneth Shaw, Jesus; and Michael Unger, principal harpsichord.

It also showcases performances by student artists Maren Hrivnak, soprano; Jaeyoon Choi, mezzo-soprano; Alex Gushrowski, tenor; Emilio Vasquez, bass; Landon Scriber, Pilate; Søren Pedersen, Peter; Ethan Neal, Judas; Andrew Hallam, Pontifex; William Tanski, Pontifex 1; Cole Stephenson, Pontifex 2; Natalie Romanick, Ancilla 1; Morgan Small, Ancilla 2; Christin Sears, Uxor Pilati; Liyao Yu, Testis 1; and Reed Gnepper, Testis 2.

The production is brought to life on stage with technical elements by Stirling Shelton, technical direction advisor; Lukas Hummeldorf, scenic designer and technical director; Evan Reinhart, assistant technical director; Claire Michels, lighting designer; Anika Shirvaikar, stage manager; Maggie Harris, assistant stage manager; and John-Austin King, titles.

Following this dynamic performance, audiences can look forward to CCM Choral's annual Feast of Carols on Dec. 2-3 (previously named a “best bet” for the holidays by the Cincinnati Business Courier). Get your tickets now for J.S. Bach’s St. Mathew Passion through the CCM Box Office.

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
• Estimated run time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with 15-minute intermission

Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village 
University of Cincinnati

Tickets: $19.50 adult, $15 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

 Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts 

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.

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All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage.