ESO and the Apollo Chorus Present: Saint Matthew Passion

Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion.

Elmhurst, IL and Chicago, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago present two back-to-back performances of Saint Matthew Passion conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop. Performances will feature the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago with Spirito Singers.

“To experience Bach’s St Matthew Passion is to be immersed in one of the greatest artistic and spiritual achievements by a human mind. It’s something every music lover should hear in concert at least once in their lives,” says Music Director Stephen Alltop.

Performances will take place in Elmhurst on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4:00PM at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and in Chicago on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00PM at the Church of the Holy Family (Chicago). 

Program Highlights:

• JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH Saint Matthew Passion

Who’s Performing:

• Elmhurst Symphony, Orchestra
• The Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Chorus
• Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor
• Spirito Singers, Chorus
• Steven Soph, Tenor (Evangelist)
• Evan Bravos, Baritone (Jesus)
• Josefien Stoppelenburg, Soprano
• Sarah Ponder, Mezzo Soprano
• Brian Skoog, Tenor
• Andrew Garratt, Baritone

What’s Interesting:

• Bach Saint Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music. Featuring a double orchestra and double choir, it presents the Gospel of Matthew chapters 26 and 27 narrating the Easter story. 
• In addition to the two choirs, six Chicago-based soloists join the orchestra each performing the role of named characters important to the story of Easter. The choirs play the voice of crowds (such as disciples) and act as commentators on the narrative.
• Full of musical drama, spiritual depth, and rich lyricism, Saint Matthew Passion is a Mount Everest of musical mountaintops and was programmed to celebrate Stephen Alltop’s 30th Anniversary as Music Director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.

Ticket Information:
For tickets, first-time visitor guides, FAQs, and further concert details, please visit ElmhurstSymphony.Org or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at 630-941-0202, M-F 10 AM - 3 PM.

About the Apollo Chorus of Chicago

Apollo Chorus of Chicago is Illinois’s oldest musical organization. Its over 120 auditioned members are a diverse group of singers brought together by their abiding love of music since 1872. The Chorus has performed at the Ravinia Festival, Peninsula Music Festival, Ear Taxi Festival, and with popular artists including Josh Groban and Louis the Child, among others. Learn more at ApolloChorus.Org