For many decades, the world-famous English Baroque Soloists and the Monteverdi Choir have represented the best in the performance of early music, and their rendering of Bach’s music – whether in a church, a concert hall or a recording studio – has become the golden standard. The ensembles will now be guided through Bach’s St John Passion by one of the most dynamic and versatile young conductors of our time, Peter Whelan. A 2022 recipient of the Laurence Olivier Award, Mr Whelan is Artistic Director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra and will be Music Director of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra from the 2026/27 season. The ensembles he has conducted recently include the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Beethoven Orchester Bonn, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has earned critical praise for his deep knowledge of styles, as well as his charisma, dynamism and energy.