Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Presents Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Handel’s Messiah – A Profound Easter Celebration

The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of Founding Executive and Artistic Director James Rawie, proudly presents the sweeping drama of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion(Part 2, performed in English). This epic performance, featuring orchestra, chorus, and demanding vocal solos, will take place across multiple venues in Reno, Tahoe City, Zephyr Cove, and Incline Village during Easter Week, April 13–20, 2025.

Audiences are invited to experience St. Matthew Passion as a grand, sacred musical—an emotionally charged drama where music and text weave together like a theatrical masterpiece. The opening chorus serves as a dramatic overture, setting the stage for Christ’s final days. The Evangelist, much like a narrator in musical theater, guides the audience through the events, while Jesus’ lines are accompanied by a glowing halo of strings, setting him apart as the divine protagonist.

Throughout the work, the chorus takes on many roles—at times the angry crowd calling for crucifixion, at others the sorrowful faithful, and sometimes stepping back to reflect in powerful hymn-like chorales. Arias such as “Have Mercy, Lord, on Me” and “Out of Love My Savior is Dying”serve as deeply personal meditations, much like show-stopping solos in a musical. The final chorus, “We Sit Down in Tears”, acts as a moving finale, leaving the audience in reflective silence.

Experience this sacred masterpiece live:

🎶 Sunday, April 13 | 4:00 PM
Zephyr Cove: Our Lady of Tahoe Catholic Church
1 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

🎶 Tuesday, April 15 | 7:00 PM
Reno: Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral
310 West 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89503

🎶 Wednesday, April 16 | 7:00 PM
Incline Village: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
701 Mt. Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV 89451

In addition, audiences are invited to a special Easter Sunday concertfeaturing both St. Matthew Passion and Handel’s Messiah—a powerful pairing of the Passion and Resurrection.

A Sacred Easter Celebration: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion & Handel’s Messiah

On Easter Sunday, the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus will present two of the most profound spiritual masterpieces ever composed. The concert will feature a shortened version of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in the first half, followed by selections from Handel’s Messiah, celebrating Christ’s triumphant resurrection.

Audiences will be moved by powerful choruses such as “Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs”, “All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray”, and “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together,” leading to a breathtaking finale with “The Trumpet Shall Sound” and the iconic “Hallelujah.”

🎶 Bach’s St. Matthew Passion & Handel’s Messiah
Sunday, April 20 | 3:00 PM
Tahoe City: Corpus Christi Catholic Church
905 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is honored to present these sacred works during Holy Week, offering audiences an immersive journey through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.

Tickets and Admission:

The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is committed to making live classical music accessible to all.

• General Admission: $30 for adults (FREE for youth under 23)
• Preferred Seating: $40 (Youth: $15)
• Premium Seating: $50 (Youth: $25)
• Seniors: Enjoy a $5 discount on all seating.
• Pay What You Can: To ensure that everyone can experience these sacred masterpieces, a “Pay What You Can” ticket option is available.

For tickets and additional details, please visit  www.tahoe-philharmonic.com or contact 765-862-2282

About the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus

The Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is dedicated to bringing world-class performances of classical and sacred music to the Reno-Tahoe region. With a passion for artistic excellence and community engagement, the orchestra and chorus strive to inspire audiences through the power of live music. 

Contact:
Debbie Session, Marketing Manager
Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
Phone: (775) 223-8396
Email: tahoephilmarketing@gmail.com
Website:www.tahoe-philharmonic.com