Berkshire Lyric to Present J.S. Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” at Tanglewood

Classical music enthusiasts have a monumental event to look forward to this spring. Berkshire Lyric has announced an ambitious performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, scheduled to take place on May 31, 2026, at the iconic Seiji Ozawa Hall within the Tanglewood grounds.

Widely regarded as one of the most significant works in the Western musical canon, Bach’s 1727 masterpiece remains a profound exploration of narrative, drama, and emotion. For Berkshire Lyric, this performance marks a major milestone in the organization’s six-decade history of presenting large-scale masterworks.

An Epic Undertaking

The St. Matthew Passion is a formidable challenge for any ensemble, requiring a massive musical architecture to realize Bach’s vision. The performance will feature:

• Two full choruses
• An additional children’s chorus
• A double orchestra
• Six primary vocal soloists, alongside several smaller roles

Artistic Director Jack Brown has emphasized the transformative nature of the piece, noting that while it was not originally conceived as a traditional concert work, it functions as a powerful ritual. To help audiences prepare for the three-hour performance, Berkshire Lyric is hosting a series of educational events, including a lecture by Brown on April 26 at the Roeliff-Janson Community Library and an additional video lecture available via the organization’s website and YouTube channel starting May 1.

Meet the Soloists

The performance will showcase a talented roster of vocalists:

• Dann Coakwell: Tenor (Evangelist)
• Jesse Blumberg: Bass-Baritone (Christus)
• Nola Richardson: Soprano (Arias)
• Adriana Zabala: Alto (Arias)
• Sam Krausz: Tenor (Arias)
• Douglas Williams: Bass (Arias)

Engaging the Community

In keeping with the inclusive spirit of the production, Berkshire Lyric is inviting a large, non-auditioned chorus to join the performance. This group will participate in the 12 hymn-like chorale movements that serve as the emotional heart of the passion narrative. This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to “engaging with Bach” on a communal level, allowing amateur singers to perform alongside professional musicians in a world-class venue.

Attendees are encouraged to plan for the full experience, which includes a 30-minute intermission. During this break, guests can gather at complimentary refreshment tables on the Tanglewood grounds, providing a moment to stretch and reflect before the final act of the performance.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• Date: May 31, 2026
• Venue: Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood
• Work: J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
• Educational Opportunities: Lectures scheduled for April 26 and May 1.

As Berkshire Lyric continues its tradition of tackling the most demanding works in the choral repertoire, the upcoming performance of the St. Matthew Passion stands out as a highlight of the 2026 season. Whether you are a long-time devotee of Bach or a newcomer to the genre, this event promises to be a transformative experience in one of the most beautiful concert settings in the country.