Heritage Singers to join with Oratorio Chorus

Northwestern College's Heritage Singers will join with the Sioux County Oratorio Chorus to perform J.S. Bach’s St. John’s Passion  at 3 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 17, in Christ Chapel at Northwestern College. Professional soloists will include Shannon Salyards, soprano; Janet Campbell, mezzo-soprano; Russell Svenningsen, tenor; John Muriello, bass; and Stephen Swanson, bass.

Bach’s St. John’s Passion is a retelling of the narrative from the gospel of John of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, portrayed by the story teller (tenor), chorus (chief priests, crowds, reflective audience), and soloists (reflections on the story as it unfolds). Palm Sunday’s performance will be the first time this powerful work will have been performed by the Sioux County Oratorio Chorus, and most likely the first time it has ever been performed in this region. The concert will be conducted by Dr. Thomas Holm, professor of music at Northwestern College.

Recent works by Sioux County Oratorio include Handel's Messiah, Verdi's Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Haydn's Paukenmesse, Mozart's Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms.

Advance tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for students. At the door, the cost is $9 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased in Orange City at the Dove Christian Bookstore or the Northwestern music office and in Sioux Center at the True Vine Christian Bookstore or the Dordt music office. Tickets also are available from chorus members.