Ex Cathedra will present a series of three concerts in Birmingham: a stunning celebration of the 300th anniversary of Lalande, the favourite of Louis XIV; JS Bach's Christmas Oratorio with all six cantatas; and his St John Passion. The latter will include a contemporary liturgical reconstruction with chorale preludes, communal hymns, secular readings, and two motets – including one by Alec Roth commissioned by Ex Cathedra in 2017. This Good Friday performance will also engage our senior youth choir and members of community choirs, who will lead the audience hymns.