Bishop Guli to join St. Mary's for St. John Passion on Good Friday
By Colin Baldy
The new Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt. Rev’d Guli Francis-Dehqani, makes her first visit to Maldon for the annual free performance of Bach’s St John Passion on Good Friday, 15th April, at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church.
This annual event started in 2012 and, apart from the last two years, has taken place every year since. St Mary’s has developed an admirable reputation for the professional standard of the performance by its celebrated choir, accompanied by the Pegasus Baroque Orchestra, who play on period instruments.
The previous Bishop, Stephen Cottrell, attended every performance until his translation to the arch-diocese of York. Bishop Guli comes from a musical family. Her son, Gabriel, is currently studying ‘cello at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Like Bishop Stephen, she will give a short homily between parts one and two.
St Mary’s Director of Music, Colin Baldy, says “I am delighted that Bishop Guli will be continuing the tradition of the Bishop of Chelmsford attending, supporting and preaching at this wonderful event. Having heard her preach at her enthronement last autumn, I know it will be a really excellent addition to Bach’s glorious music.”
The event features The Choir of St Mary’s and the Pegasus Baroque Orchestra.
- Jon Grave, Evangelist
- Gabriel Finn, Christus
- Directed by Colin Baldy
Liturgical Performance – No Ticket – Retiring Collection