Arvo Pärt’s “St. John’s Passion” to Resonate in Ventspils with Krista Audere

On April 3, 2026, the concert hall “Latvija” in Ventspils, Latvia, will host a performance of Arvo Pärt’s “St. John’s Passion,” a significant work of contemporary music. The performance, scheduled as part of Good Friday observances, will be led by internationally recognized conductor Krista Audere and broadcast live on Latvijas Radio 3 “Klasika.”

A Meditative Journey Through Christ’s Final Days

“St. John’s Passion” is described as an ascetic and meditative exploration of the final journey of Christ. The work eschews traditional expressive techniques, instead employing a transparent sound world where silence and sound intertwine, creating a deeply spiritual experience for listeners. Pärt’s composition allows time to seemingly stop, fostering inner peace and contemplation.

The Performers

The performance will feature a distinguished ensemble of vocalists and musicians. Key performers include:

• Edgars Ošleja (bass, Jesus)
• Mārtiņš Klišāns (tenor, Pilate)
• Jānis Kurševs (baritone, evangelist)
• Kristofers Walš Sinka (tenor, evangelist)
• Dārta Paldiņa (alto, evangelist)
• Agnese Pauniņa (soprano, evangelist)

The instrumentalists will be Pēteris Ozoliņš (cello), Gidons Grīnbergs (violin), Pēteris Endzelis (oboe), Jānis Semjonovs (bassoon), and Jānis Pelše (organ). The Ventspils Festival Choir and Riga Project Choir will also participate.

Krista Audere’s Vision

The performance will be conducted by Krista Audere, an internationally acclaimed conductor who received the Eric Ericson Award in 2021. Audere has engagements with several prominent choirs, including the State Choir Latvia, the Swedish Radio Choir, and the Bavarian Radio Choir. This concert marks her only scheduled performance in Latvia for the year.

The Structure of “St. John’s Passion”

The work is based on the text of St. John’s Gospel, recounting the story of Christ’s arrest to his crucifixion. Four soloists, acting as evangelists, lead the narrative, whereas Jesus and Pilate are portrayed as distinct characters accompanied solely by the organ. The choir represents the voices of the people, offering powerful emotional responses. Pärt’s composition blends modal and tonal systems, creating a sense of both antiquity and modernity.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the April 3rd performance are available at all Ticket Paradise locations in shopping centers and concert halls throughout Latvia.