Augustana University School of Music’s Bach Collegium Presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s ‘St. John Passion’

As part of the Sacred Arts Series at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the Augustana University School of Music presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. John Passion,” BWV 245, on Tuesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. Under the direction of Dr. David Chin, the performance is a collaboration between Augustana’s Bach Collegium and the Augustana Choir — bringing together some of the region’s finest musicians for an unforgettable evening of sacred music, drama and profound reflection.

“We are thrilled to bring this monumental work to Sioux Falls,” said Dr. David Chin, conductor of the Augustana Bach Collegium. “Bach’s ‘St. John Passion’ is not just a musical masterpiece; it is a transformative experience that speaks to the soul. Its themes of suffering and redemption are as relevant today as they were in Bach’s time — offering listeners a profound reflection on the human condition.”

"St. John Passion" stands as one of the greatest masterpieces of Western music, depicting the final hours of Christ’s life with breathtaking intensity and emotional depth. Composed in 1724 for Good Friday services in Leipzig, Germany, this monumental work weaves together scripture, poetry and music to create a moving journey of suffering, redemption and hope. Despite being nearly 300 years old, “St. John Passion” remains profoundly relevant today — speaking to the universal themes of justice, compassion, betrayal and forgiveness.

The concert marks a significant milestone for the Bach Collegium. Established in 2024, the ensemble is dedicated to historically-informed performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s work, uniting outstanding student musicians with distinguished faculty and professional artists, such as concertmaster Dr. Nicholas Sharma, assistant conductor of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) and director of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra. This unique collaboration bridges generations of musical talent, creating an ensemble that delivers both precision and passion.

The Augustana Choir — AU’s flagship vocal ensemble led by Dr. Russell Svenningsen — will also be featured in several movements, adding its rich choral sound to the deeply expressive music of the Passion.

Passion Performers

This production features a remarkable cast of musicians, including esteemed tenor Dr. Russell Svenningsen in the pivotal role of the Evangelist. As the director of vocal studies at Augustana and a GRAMMY-nominated performer, Svenningsen brings both scholarly insight and emotional depth to the role, guiding the audience through the Passion narrative with gripping storytelling.

Acclaimed soprano Dr. Natalie Buickians — praised for her “bell-like clarity” and celebrated as a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Los Angeles District) — lends her soaring voice to this performance, bringing a stunning blend of purity and passion to Bach’s music.

Countertenor Daniel Moody — a GRAMMY-nominated artist and widely recognized for his commanding, yet expressive timbre — has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and with leading ensembles, such as the Philharmonia Baroque and Les Violons du Roy, as well as Bach Vespers at Trinity Lutheran Church New York, earning praise for his extraordinary artistry and emotional depth.

Also featured in this performance are talented Augustana student soloists Parker Carbonneau ‘27 (as Jesus), Oliver Jankord ‘25 (as Pilate) and Blake Todd ‘26 (baritone soloist) — each contributing their distinct vocal talents to this magnificent work.

Leading the performance from the harpsichord is Dr. David Chin, an internationally-acclaimed conductor and scholar of Bach’s music. As the founder of Bachfest Malaysia and a senior fellow of the Bach-Archiv Leipzig, Chin has led performances of Bach’s works across North America, Europe and Asia. His understanding of historically-informed performance practice and passion for engaging both musicians and audiences in the beauty of Bach’s music make him a sought-after conductor for major choral-orchestral works.

To purchase tickets to “St. John Passion” at the Cathedral, visit augie.edu/ThePassion.