The magnificence of JS Bach’s St John Passion was laid out in all its glory by the Durham Singers in the perfect setting of St Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw College, near Durham. Reflecting on the spiritual message of the Passions in a traditional sermon at the interval, the Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Dr Tom Wright, said: “Bach tells you what the story is and invites you to come inside the world of the story and make it your own.” His own son, Dr Julian Wright, an accomplished musician who directs the ensemble, ensured the audience was completely immersed in the experience. From the opening chorus Herr unser Herrscher the choir were in complete command of the work, which is constructed out of recitatives, chorales, ariosi and aria movements. To add authenticity to the occasion, they were joined by a group of period instruments specialists from around the country who came together specially for the occasion under the name of the Durham Singers Ensemble. The role of the Evangelist was filled brilliantly by tenor Nicholas Hurndall Smith. One of the esteemed consort group I Fagiolini, Smith’s voice has a ringing clarity bearing an emotional depth. It was given full vent in a superlative delivery of the aria Erwage. There were sterling performances from soloists emerging from the ranks. Just one of the many highlights was the aria Ich folge dir gleichfalls, sung by soprano Deidre Wilke. Tenor David Harris gave a moving rendition of Ach mein Sinn, while bass Duncan Brown gave a weighty delivery of the aria Eilt. Special mention also goes to alto Kathy Price’s singing of the aria Es ist volbracht (It is finished) and Andrew Wright playing Pilatus. Dr Wright drove the work to a heady climax with the rousing chorale Ach Herr las dein lieb Engelein. One could not fail to be moved by the sacred music.