Three of Aberdeen’s most celebrated international singers will join forces next weekend in a performance of one of the world’s most famous compositions.
Aberdeen-born Neil Mackie is a top academic at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, who will unite with fellow Aberdonians Alan Watt and Pat McMahon, to lead the line-up of soloists at the University of Aberdeen Choral Society Concert, J.S. Bach: St Matthew Passion.
The concert will be held on Sunday, March 20, in St Andrew’s Cathedral, King Street, Aberdeen. The concert will take the form of two performances – Part One will be held from 3pm until 5pm, while Part Two will run from 7pm until 9.45pm.
Neil Mackie, who holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Aberdeen, will sing the part of the Evangelist, while Alan Watt will take up the part of Christ. Soprano Pat McMahon, who is a member of the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, will perform alongside Mezzo soprano Katherine Smith, and Pilate Simon Hart. Conductor for the evening will be Dr Roger Williams, Director of Music at the University of Aberdeen.
Dr Williams said: “Any performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion is a real event. To have the Evangelist of our times in Neil Mackie, Pat McMahon and Alan Watt all returning to their native Aberdeen is a wonderful cast.
“Performing this supreme masterpiece in the magical acoustic of St Andrew's Cathedral will be sure to make for a most memorable occasion.”
With 140 members, the Choral Society is the largest musical group in the University. Its members are students and staff as well as members of the general public. The group sings a wide-ranging repertoire comprising both accompanied and unaccompanied compositions. This Sunday’s concert is one of two main concerts the group holds each season. Further details are available: www.abdn.ac.uk/music/choralsoc/
Tickets for the University Choral Society J.S. Bach: St Matthew Passion on Sunday, March 20, cost £10 (Concessions £7.50) and are available at Aberdeen Box Office on (01224) 641122, or online at www.musichallaberdeen.com