CLEVELAND Chamber Orchestra and the Michaelmas Singers give two Passiontide performances of Bach's St Matthew Passion tomorrow and on Sunday.

Tim Jackson, musical director. Said: "Bach's music is dramatic and deeply moving, and we are trying to communicate this by singing the story in English and adding dramatic elements to show the interplay between the characters.

"This is a story about people like us, so we are getting away from the idea that you have to stand still in a row with eyes glued on the conductor. We shall be singing to the audience and to each other."

Producer Barry Keane, best known through his work with Theatre Upstairs, has worked with the musicians on simple and effective ways to bring the story alive.

Two very different churches have been chosen as the settings.

Teesside audiences are beginning to appreciate what an asset they have in Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, a new building with comfortable tiered seating which gives a good view of all the performers from every seat. Natural wood surfaces and the domed ceiling create a clear and pleasing acoustic. The first of the two performances is there tomorrow.

On Sunday, North Yorkshire audiences will enjoy the music in the traditional surroundings of St Mary's Parish Church, Richmond.

Canon Richard Cooper, the rector, said: I am excited at the idea of having a performance of the St Matthew Passion in our church on Palm Sunday. You can't fail to be moved by the power of this music and the story it portrays."

Both performances start at 7pm and will be over by 10pm. Tickets are available from Stockton Baptist Tabernacle, Greensleeves music shops in Guisborough or Northallerton and Castle Hill Bookshop, Richmond.