American Classical Orchestra’s 40th anniversary season continued on January 30th with a performance of Bach’s St. John Passion in a packed Alice Tully Hall. The entire experience was magnificent and transporting in the perfect synergy between the exceptional, sensitive conducting of Maestro Thomas Crawford, the warm-sounding, outstandingly expressive orchestra, and the splendid voices of the ACO chorus and soloists, who are chorus members themselves.
Left to right: Alex Guerrero, Reginald Mobley, Kristen Hahn, Elisse Albian, Enrico Lagasca, Maestro Thomas Crawford, Andrew Padgett, Timothy McDevitt, Edward Vogel, Gene Stenger with ACO Orchestra and chorus
Jacob Perry brought narrative fire to the role of the Evangelist, in clear diction infused with a range of emotions, from awe to outrage to heartbreaking sadness. Enrico Lagasca’s booming, sumptuous voice endowed the role of Jesus with a larger-than-life, imposing presence, at times thunderous, at times enigmatic. Lagasca gave us a commanding Jesus whose soft utterings on the cross as he addressed Mary and the disciple, expressed his thirst and ended with “Es ist vollbracht”, sounded even more haunting by contrast. Pilate, in Andrew Padgett’s chilling, sinuous interpretation built up a kind of electrifying, edge-of-seat suspense, as though, despite knowing the story, one might still hope and wait with bated breath for a different outcome.
Countertenor Reginald Mobley created spellbinding vocal effects, especially in “Es ist vollbracht” to which he brought otherworldly beauty and elegant tones. Kristen Hahn’s rendition of “Ich folge dir” resounded with crystalline delicacy. Elisse Albian’s radiant, fascinating soprano mesmerized in “Zerfleiße, mein Herze” while Gene Stenger’s warm, gleaming tenor brought soul and compassion to “Erwäge”. Alex Guerrero, Timothy McDevitt, and Edward Vogel were equally impressive, vocally and musically. The ACO Chorus showcased their remarkable vocal and dynamic range in impeccable sync, from majestic volume to crisp urgency to ethereal resonances to plaintive and sublime colors.
Truly a captivating evening of musical genius, emotional transcendence, and spiritual beauty.
Photos courtesy of the American Classical Orchestra
Top photo: Maestro Thomas Crawford and ACO orchestra and chorus
