In the Netherlands, the St. Matthew Passion is the most frequently performed classical musical work in the period leading up to Easter. It is regarded by musicians, scholars and classical music fans alike as one of the true gems of classical music, composed by the great Johann Sebastian Bach.

Experience one of the Netherlands' great Easter traditions

If you live in the Netherlands, there is one classical tradition that is difficult to miss in the weeks leading up to Easter: Bach's St Matthew Passion.

For generations, audiences across the country have gathered in churches and concert halls to hear Bach's dramatic retelling of the Passion story.

It is more than just another classical concert on the Dutch calendar. For many people, attending the St Matthew Passion has become part of the Easter season itself. This is your opportunity to experience that tradition.

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Why is the St Matthew Passion so special in the Netherlands? 

Bach created an extraordinary musical world for this masterpiece: two choirs, two orchestras, soloists and an Evangelist who tells the story. At one moment the music is intimate and reflective. Minutes later, the full forces of choir and orchestra fill the space.

Each solo voice brings a different emotional perspective: grief, love, contemplation, consolation and hope. You do not need to know the story or understand every musical detail beforehand. Let the music, voices and surroundings do the work.

Experience Bach on authentic period instruments

The Bach Choir & Orchestra of the Netherlands is a renowned Dutch ensemble with a long tradition of performing Bach and other Baroque masterpieces.

The orchestra performs on authentic period instruments, while the choir is known for its transparent, expressive and dynamic sound. Together, they create a performance style that brings listeners closer to the musical world Bach himself knew.

International soloists portray the central roles, with Maarten Romkes as the Evangelist and German bass Thilo Dahlmann as Christ. Pieter Jan Leusink conducts.

Musicians and soloists

• The Bach Choir & Orchestra of the Netherlands
• Maarten Romkes, Evangelist
• Thilo Dahlmann, Christ
• Olga Zinovieva, soprano
• Meneka Senn, soprano
• Aleksan Chobanov, countertenor
• Hanna de Bruin, mezzo-soprano
• Martinus Leusink, tenor
• Jasper Schweppe, bass
• Pieter Jan Leusink, conductor

St Matthew Passion concert dates 2027

• Leiden, Hooglandse Kerk - Saturday, February 27, 2027, 4pm
• Eindhoven, Catharinakerk - Sunday, February 28, 2027, 4pm
• Apeldoorn, Grote Kerk - Thursday, March 4, 2027, 7pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Friday, March 5, 2027, 7pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Saturday, March 6, 2027, 2.30pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Sunday, March 7, 2027, 2.15pm
• Utrecht, Jacobikerk - Friday, March 12, 2027, 7pm
• Rotterdam, Laurenskerk - Saturday, March 13, 2027, 4pm
• 's-Hertogenbosch, Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre - Sunday, March 14, 2027, 4pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Thursday, March 18, 2027, 7.30pm
• Groningen, Martinikerk - Friday, March 19, 2027, 7pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Saturday, March 20, 2027, 2.30pm
• Zwolle, Academiehuis - Sunday, March 21, 2027, 12.30pm
• Elburg, Grote Kerk - Wednesday, March 24, 2027, 7pm
• Leusden, AFAS Theatre - Thursday, March 25, 2027, 7pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Friday, March 26, 2027, 1.30pm
• The Hague, Grote Kerk - Friday, March 26, 2027, 7.30pm
• Amsterdam, Concertgebouw - Saturday, March 27, 2027, 2.15pm

For concerts at Concertgebouw, a 5 euro surcharge applies to the tier 1 ticket, including refreshments.

For concerts at AFAS Theatre, a 5 euro surcharge applies to the tier 1 ticket, including free parking and refreshments.

Exclusive IamExpat ticket offer

Get more than 50 percent off when you book your tickets via IamExpat. Regular tickets for the performances of The Messiah cost 90 euros, but for IamExpat readers, there's a special price of 39,95 euros!

Prices exclude 6,95 euros in service costs per order and any applicable venue surcharge. Book your tickets!