TahoePhil/Maestro James Rawie: The Passion of Bach-The Joy of Handel March 31-April 5
March 20, 2026 | Member Submitted
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Tahoe Philharmonic (Lovers of Harmony) Orchestra and Chorus continues Maestro James Rawie’s 21st annual WinterFest with the “Passion of Bach/The Joy of Handel” concert series March 31 thru April 5. Maestro Rawie presents for the 21st consecutive year the sweeping drama of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Part 2 – performed in English). This epic performance features antiphonal orchestra, chorus, and his most demanding vocal solos. Experience the universal power and emotion of Bach’s largest and yet most personal work, a spiritual journey for all. Maestro Rawie was the Founder and Artistic Director of TOCCATA for the past 19 years, presenting more than 500 classical concerts and soirees throughout the Reno/Tahoe Basin. Tahoe Philharmonic is now under his Artistic Direction.
Bach takes a personal approach to retelling the Passion story through music. The piece touches on basic human problems: love, hate and betrayal. Bach’s music, with unrivaled variety and breadth, brings the text alive and compels the listener to respond to the drama. Although Bach uses Biblical passages, with soloists portraying characters in the drama and the chorus acting as his disciples or the angry crowd, the most moving texts are written specifically for this work. Bach brings the listeners in on the action by having the chorus represent us, reacting to the story or answering questions raised by it. And many solo arias are Bach’s most deeply-felt responses to what is occurring. The “Passion” is an oratorio, not an opera, and Bach relies on the power of the music alone to illuminate these texts. Part of Bach’s brilliance is how sensitive he is to the text settings. Minor and dissonant chords underlie texts on suffering and sacrifice; the music turns to major keys when the subject is redemption. Listen, too, for Bach’s “word-painting” — a raindrop-like staccato to depict falling tears, or a musical earthquake following Jesus’s death on the cross, or his “halo” represented by the strings alone. If you follow the text as you listen, your spirit will be moved.
Two of this year’s performances include selections from parts 2 and 3 from Handel’s Messiah. Following the Passion, which ends with Jesus in the tomb, Handel’s selections focus on the life of Jesus and the resurrection, culminating in the finale, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, Amen, and the famous Hallelujah chorus.
When and Where:
Tuesday, March 31 7pm RENO: St Thomas Aquinas Cathedral (310 W 2nd St);
Saturday, April 4 4pm MINDEN: CVIC Hall (1604 Esmeralde Ave.)
Sunday, April 5 4pm RENO: St Rose of Lima Catholic Church (100 Bishop Manogue Drive)
Tickets are available at the door for all concerts or online at www.Tahoe-Philharmonic.com. General admission to PASSION/MESSIAH concerts is $30 for adults. Preferred seating is $40 adults/$15 youth and Premium seating is $50 adults/$25youth. Benefactors row is $100/seat. Under 23 years of age are admitted free in general admission seating , to most regular season concerts in 2026. Seniors enjoy $5 discount in all areas. There are “back row” seating tickets at no set charge, just donate what you can afford for this concert.
TahoePhil / Maestro James Rawie’s 21st Anniversary Summerfest begins June 1-9 with Classics+, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony #5 “Victory” and Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor with guest pianist Jennifer Savage.
