Landmark period-performances of Bach's St Matthew Passion come to Cape Town and Stellenbosch

Three of South Africa's leading musical ensembles will join forces in March 2027 for two landmark performances of Johann Sebastian Bach's monumental oratorio St Matthew Passion, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the work's first performance in Leipzig, Germany, in 1727.

Presented by Schola Cantorum of Stellenbosch University, VOX Cape Town and the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra (CTBO), this project brings together leading South African and international musicians under the artistic direction of conductor Martin Berger for two performances of the three-hour work.

This project continues a rich tradition associated with Barry Smith and the St George's Singers while also breaking new ground as the first South African presentation of the work on period instruments. Drawing on the instruments and performance practices of Bach's world, these performances offer a rare opportunity to encounter one of the towering masterpieces of the Western choral tradition anew—three extraordinary hours of vivid storytelling through narration, intimate arias, chorales and richly expressive choral and orchestral writing.

Ticket sales will open via Quicket by the end of November 2026. Advance booking is strongly recommended.