Polyphony's St John Passion at St John's Smith Square

As usual this year, I had the pleasure of being involved in Polyphony's performance of JS Bach's St John Passion at St John's Smith Square in London, conducted as always by Stephen Layton.  Every year Stephen finds something different to say in this great work, and this year I was particularly struck by the singing of the Evangelist, Stuart Jackson, telling the story with such commitment, every word so clear.  Those tricky tenor arias were sung by Gwilym Bowen - son of Geraint (Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral) and nephew of Meurig (Artistic Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival).  The soprano soloist was Elin Manahan Thomas, also with Welsh roots!