One of Bach's two surviving passions, the St Matthew features two four-part choirs, several soloists and full orchestra.

Widely regarded as Bach's greatest work, the music of the Passion encompasses emotional extremes, the shouting of the mob for Jesus' crucifixion closely followed by Peter's quiet despair at his own betrayal. The work in its entirety runs to over three hours: a shortened version, in the original German, will be performed here.

Richard Rowntree - Evangelist, Julian Rippon - Christus; featuring soloists from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, orchestras led by Anna Cockcroft and Julie Hill, conducted by David Davies.

Tickets: £15 unreserved (half price for full-time students).

Box office: 01392 667080.

www.exeterbachsociety.org.uk