What's On

Sunday 24 March 2024, 4pm

Bach's Easter Oratorio

Bach's Easter Oratorio

Presented by Saffron Hall

Bach’s ‘Easter Oratorio’, composed in 1725, displays Bach’s consummate skill as a storyteller. The dash of running feet, the uncertainty of the empty tomb and the adrenalin rush of realising Jesus has risen from the dead are all brought vividly to life through his infinite musical invention. After a boisterous opening, we are pitched into the drama of the disciples – represented by a quartet of soloists – with heartfelt arias for the two Marys and Peter reflecting on their fears and hopes.

It is preceded by two other Easter Monday cantatas, a characteristic mix of spirited celebration and moments of stasis and personal reflection. The joy at the resurrection predominates but ‘Stay with Us’ is imbued with duskier tones, the uncertainty of the disciples’ journey away from Jerusalem providing Bach the dramatist with opportunities for unusual colourings and sharply drawn word-painting.

Change of soloist
We are sorry to inform you that the soprano soloist, Madison Nonoa, has withdrawn from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s performance of Bach’s Easter Oratorio on Sunday 24th March 2024. We are very grateful to Miriam Allan who has stepped in to perform in her place.

Performance information

Running time

2 hours

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Ten for £10

This event is part of our Ten for £10 scheme. We will release ten £10 tickets for sale at 10am on the morning of this performance.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Programme

  • Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata BWV 66 ‘Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen’ 30 mins
  • Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata BWV 6 ‘Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden’ 20 mins
  • Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata BWV 249 ‘Oster-Oratorium’ (Easter Oratorio) 44 mins

Performers

  • Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
  • Choir of the Enlightenment
  • Peter Whelan director
  • Miriam Allan soprano
  • Rebecca Leggett mezzo-soprano
  • Ruairi Bowen tenor
  • Malachy Frame baritone

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Information for your visit

Sunday 24 March 2024, 4pm

Schedule

All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.

Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.

Pre-show shuttle bus

3pm - 4pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.

When to arrive

3pm - 3.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

3pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.

Auditorium opens

3.30pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.

Show starts

4pm

Interval

Interval (20 mins)

Show ends

6pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

6pm – 7pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Drinks

For this event, you're welcome to bring drinks purchased from our bar into the event with you.

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

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Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

Make a donation

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