Passion and resilience
'Nichts ist vollbracht.' A haunting interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's St John Passion focuses on the stories of queer people. Following Vienna and Leipzig, this special concert is now also coming to Antwerp. Five outstanding soloists, top musicians with historical instruments and the Antwerp Queer Choir will deliver a unique performance of Bach's iconic composition. With new lyrics, stories are told about discrimination and resilience from queer history, while the integrity of Bach's music is preserved. Two historical events are central: the execution of a trans person in 1721 in Halberstadt, Germany, and the large-scale persecution of homosexual men in Utrecht in 1730-31, which often ended in the death penalty. They are linked to contemporary tragedies, such as the 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the violence against lesbian women in Mexico. queerPassion is a powerful plea for equality, diversity and solidarity.
Antwerp Queer Arts Festival in collaboration with Opera Ballet Vlaanderen
Funded by the European Union. However, the ideas and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held liable.
The creators
Team
Johann Sebastian Bach
Composition
Michael Hell
Conductor
Danny de Jong, Isaak Duerinck & Katrien Eerdekens
Coaching Antwerp Queer Choir
Cast
Susanne Elmark
Soprano
Yosemeh Adjei
Countertenor
Julian Habermann
Tenor
Markus Schäfer
Tenor and narrator
