Dresden Kreuzchor and Philharmonic Orchestra with "St. Matthew Passion"

The Dresden Kreuzchor with its soloist ensemble and the philharmonic orchestra provided a musical highlight with Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion". At the concert on Good Friday, when applause is traditionally dispensed with, they offered a unified interpretation under the direction of Kreuzkantor Martin Lehmann.

Silence after the last note

Among the vocal soloists, the British Helen Charlston (alto) and baritone Jonas Müller stood out alongside the Icelander Benedikt Kristjansson as the Evangelist. Marie-Sophie Pollak (soprano), Richard Resch (tenor) and the bass Roderick Williams as Jesus were also convincing. After the last note, the audience in the well-filled Kreuzkirche remained silent for a long time.

Good Friday is considered a "silent holiday", as in Christianity it is dedicated to the memory of the death of Jesus Christ. The day is therefore marked by mourning, reflection and contemplation.

The Dresden Kreuzchor, which is more than 800 years old, is one of the leading boys' choirs in Germany. Back in February, the choir performed Bach's Mass in B minor, one of the central choral symphonic works, at a concert to commemorate the destruction of Dresden in the Second World War.

Kreuzkirche celebrates Easter

Easter will then be celebrated in the Kreuzkirche from Saturday. In addition to Easter Vespers in the afternoon, an Easter Vigil with a lighting ceremony and a Metten play by the Crucians are planned for Easter Sunday. There will also be festive services on Sunday and Easter Monday.

Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Easter is not only regarded as the most important festival in Christianity, but also as a festival of hope, new beginnings and life. In addition to Easter bonfires, the tradition of Easter masses is also widespread in Saxony, where Christians gather in the still dark church in the early morning of Easter Sunday and celebrate the resurrection by lighting the Easter candle.

On the morning of Easter Sunday, the parishes invite people to festive and cantata services. Easter breakfast or an Easter walk are also part of the tradition for many people.