Pygmalion / Pichon Bach: Matthäuspassion

Performers:

Pygmalion
Vienna Boys' Choir
Julian Prégardien, Evangelist
Stéphane Degout, Jesus
Julie Roset, soprano
Maïlys de Villoutreys, soprano
Lucile Richardot, alto
Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, countertenor
Zachary Wilder, tenor
Christian Immler, bass
Raphaël Pichon, conductor

Touching sound theatre
When Raphaël Pichon conducts Bach, the result is not a museum-like devotion, but a breathing theatre of sound. For almost two decades, the French conductor and his ensemble Pygmalion have been exploring the world of the St Thomas cantor – always in search of the point at which music not only narrates, but touches existentially.
His St Matthew Passion conceives the work as a human drama in sacred form: two choirs, two orchestras – but no force, no excess, instead an architecture of light and lines in which every detail remains audible. The famous choirs lose their monumental tone and gain in agility and closeness; the voices interweave to form a lament that sounds both earthly and enraptured.

Portrait artist Julian Prégardien as Evangelist
Julian Prégardien takes centre stage as the Evangelist – a narrator of unrelenting clarity and subtle empathy. His art of speaking and musical presence turn the story of suffering into an inner monologue about guilt, consolation and the possibility of redemption. This performance shows Bach not as a distant icon, but as a living contemporary – a composer who sought the human in the divine. Pichon's St Matthew Passion is not a reconstruction, but an invitation to listen in the present.

program

Johann Sebastian Bach
Matthäuspassion BWV 244 (1727 vor)

Place

Wiener Konzerthaus – A Temple of Music and Culture

The Wiener Konzerthaus is one of Europe's most prestigious concert venues and a cornerstone of Vienna’s vibrant musical scene. Since its opening in 1913, it has stood for musical excellence, stylistic diversity, and artistic innovation. With four magnificent halls – the Great Hall, Mozart Hall, Schubert Hall, and Berio Hall – the Konzerthaus offers exceptional acoustics and accommodates up to 1,865 guests.

From classical music and opera to jazz, world music, and contemporary compositions, the Wiener Konzerthaus is renowned for its diverse programming, featuring both international stars and emerging talents. Alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, world-class orchestras, soloists, and ensembles grace its stage, making it an essential destination for music lovers.

Getting There by Public Transport

The Wiener Konzerthaus is centrally located in the 3rd district and easily accessible by public transport:

Subway:

• U4 Stadtpark station – about a 5-minute walk
• U3/U4 Landstraße (Wien Mitte) station – about a 10-minute walk

Tram:

• Lines 2, 71, D (stop Schwarzenbergplatz) – about a 3-minute walk

Bus:

• Line 4A (stop Schwarzenbergplatz)

Train:

• Wien Mitte/Landstraße (connection to CAT, S-Bahn, and subway) – about a 10-minute walk

With its excellent transport connections, the Wiener Konzerthaus is easily reachable for both locals and international visitors.
Wiener Konzerthaus – A World-Class Musical Experience.

As one of Vienna’s most important cultural institutions, the Wiener Konzerthaus seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering unforgettable concerts in one of the world’s most beautiful concert halls.