“Others defend their interpretive freedom, but that is just the wrong practice. I defend the score.” As is apparent in this interview with the ZEIT, Belgian conductor Philippe Herreweghe doesn’t avoid the issue when voicing his true opinions. He is one of the few true stars on the early music scene today and has the twisting and turning life typical of someone in this position. Herreweghe began his working life as a psychiatrist so certainly knows what he is talking about when analysing the minds of composers. “Bach’s concepts are unbelievably healthy and deep – there is nothing autistic about him. He is a fountain of pure, fresh water.”

Philippe Herreweghe Conductor
Mark Padmore Evangelist
Michael Nagy Jesus
Julia Doyle, Grace Davidson Soprano
Damien Guillon, Robin Blaze Countertenor
Thomas Hobbs Tenor
Peter Kooij, Stephan MacLeod Bass
Collegium Vocale Gent Choir and Orchestra

Johann Sebastian Bach
St. Matthew Passion BWV 244  (200’)    

Finishing time approx.: 8.30pm