Markus Passion: Bach's Lost Passion

Lost for centuries, J.S. Bach’s Markus Passion returns in a powerful new production by Concert Theatre Works, co-presented in a Pacific Northwest tour by Portland Baroque Orchestra and Oregon Bach Festival. This groundbreaking “pocket passion” features four singers, a narrator, and a small period orchestra—including two gambas and two lutes—and runs a focused 80 minutes.

Featuring celebrated actor Joseph Marcell (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), this dramatized reconstruction restores a long-lost cornerstone of Bach’s Passion settings. Believed to have vanished after Bach’s death in 1750, the Markus Passion is brought back to life with an authoritative edition by Malcolm Bruno, published by Breitkopf & Härtel.

This intimate staged performance directed by Julian Perkins reimagines Bach’s vision for modern audiences, merging music and theater to stunning effect.
Don’t miss this historic musical resurrection—an emotionally charged, theatrically rich performance of one of Bach’s lost treasures, finally unveiled.

Additional performances in our region include:
- July 11 in Eugene, OR (Tickets handled by Oregon Bach Festival)
- July 13 in Seattle, WA (Tickets handled by Early Music Seattle).

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