Bob Chilcott's St John Passion tells the story of Christ's trial and crucifixion through words drawn from St John's Gospel, interwoven with English poetry from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Like Bach's great Passion settings, the role of the Evangelist is taken by a tenor soloist, whose arioso narrative drives the drama forward, while the words of Jesus and Pilate are sung by solo baritones. Oxford University Press The choir moves between the baying crowd, the soldiers, and moments of deep contemplation — with four meditations offering space for reflection on the human cost of the story. Hyperion Records Familiar hymn texts — among them Drop, Drop, Slow Tears, There is a Green Hill, and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross — are set to new melodies, designed so that the congregation can join in. Chilcott's aim throughout is to communicate: to give listeners space for reflection through the combination of narrative, poetry, and song — dramatic, but never without hope.

The Holy Trinity Choir sing this powerful work on Good Friday, 7pm — all are welcome.