The day the new edition was published by Bärenreiter in November 2023 final rehearsals were in progress with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Festival orchestra. And one could not wish for a more Mendelssohnian choir! More poignant still was the occasion of the Choir’s 125th anniversary for which this recording is a celebrative milestone.

Having spent six years on the project publication – before, during and after Covid – it was a huge delight finally to realise this first performance-recording with Christopher Jackson. He and I had known each other since his post-graduate student days at Westminster Choir College in Princeton and now with Christopher at the helm, all the tiny details considered so long contemplated in the editorial process would now come alive under his superb musicianship.

Total dedication of the Choir and orchestra and a wonderful team of soloists gave Mendelssohn’s ‘Grosse Passionsmusik’ a wonderful first outing!