Arcadia Players, New England’s period instrument ensemble, presents Johann Theile’s St. Matthew Passion in its first-ever performance in the region. Theile was a gifted pupil of Heinrich Schütz and a teacher of Dietrich Buxtehude, and his elegant 1673 setting of the Passion text is a little-known masterpiece of the early Baroque. Tenor William Hite sings the role of the Evangelist; baritone John Salvi that of Jesus. Gregory Hayes conducts the Arcadia Players ensemble, soloists and chorus.

This program is presented in collaboration with Mass Cultural Council and New England Public Media, and is also supported by grants from the Cultural Councils of Northampton, Amherst, South Hadley and Hadley.