THE magnificence of JS Bach’s St John Passion was laid out in all its glory by the Durham Singers in this perfect setting.

Reflecting on the spiritual message of the Passions in a traditional sermon at the interval, the Bishop of Durham, The Rt Rev 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 son, Dr Julian Wright, an accomplished musician who directs the ensemble, ensured the audience was completely immersed in the experience.

From the opening chorus, the choir was in complete command of the work, which is constructed out of recitatives, chorales, ariosi and aria movements.

To add authenticity to the occasion, the singers were joined by a group of period instrument specialists, who came together 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, his voice has a ringing clarity and 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. 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.