When a choral group with “Bach” in its name meets the St. John's Passion, you expect all the stops to be pulled, and California Bach Society is doing just that. Paul Flight, the group's indefatigable director will double as countertenor soloist in the upcoming performances in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto.
The chorus, which is dedicated and skillful, will have their hands full, too, for Bach gives them a lot to do. Of the two surviving Bach Passion settings, the St. John is the more immediately and vividly dramatic (while the St. Matthew is more reflective and monumental.) It's stirring music, among the best of Bach, so if you've never heard it live, here's one more opportunity not to be missed.