Choir joins in massive Bach masterwork

A mighty fortress of sound is guaranteed this weekend as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Augustana Choir and others marshal forces for J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion."

For just the second time in the symphony's 102 seasons (it was first done in 1967), the 1727 masterwork also will feature Quad City Choral Arts, six vocal soloists, and two organs.

For this performance, the choirs (a total of 85 singers) will be led by Jon Hurty, director of Augustana's choir and Q-C Choral Arts. “Often in the St. Matthew Passion, the choirs go back and forth, creating a chaotic sense of the crowd,” he said in the release. “It adds to the intensity of the crowd scenes.”

Just as the choir is divided, the QCSO is split into two smaller orchestras as well. “All of the performers and musicians are on the stage at the same time,” Dr. Hurty said. “The opportunity to see this piece live is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience – and it is equally amazing for the singers and musicians who will be part of the performance.”

• Read more at Quad-Cities Online