As part of our summer festival, we present queerPassion, a project initiated by ĀRT HOUSE. The Austrian collective has reimagined the famous St. John Passion with a new libretto by Thomas Höft. Together with Antwerp Queer Choir, Grazer Regenbogenchor, Tollkirschen Leipzig, Fräulein A. Kapella Chor and supported by EU funding they bring their story to three main stages of European classical music: 

 

• Vienna Konzerthaus 7. June 2025, during Vienna Pride

• Bachfest Leipzig 13. June 2025, at Paul Gerhardt Church

• Opera Antwerp 22. August 2025, as part of Antwerp Queer Arts Festival

 

The bold reinterpretation embraces both tradition and transformation.

For centuries, classical music has been a refuge for queer individuals, yet queerness has seldom been openly addressed or represented in its repertoire. Thus, Thomas Höft replaced the Biblical text of Bach’s St. John Passion with true stories of persecuted and murdered LGBTQ individuals, including historical figures from the time of Bach. Instead of the suffering of Jesus the choirs and soloists will tell about Anastasius Lagrantinus Rosenstengel, executed in 1721 for living as a trans man with a woman, and victims of a 1730s anti-gay crackdown in Utrecht.

Modern tragedies, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting and violence against lesbians in Mexico, are also referenced. Yet the music stays 100% Johann Sebastian Bach.

The project involves the full orchestra of ĀRT HOUSE 17, 5 grand soloists including Grammy winners Dietrich Henschel and Markus Schäfer as well as acclaimed soprano Susanne Elmark. Altogether about 150 amateur singers from diverse backgrounds will participate and perform on the big stages. Workshops on queer history, personal engagement, and interpretation foster collaboration between professionals and amateurs, celebrating diversity within the classical music sector.

QueerPassion marks a vital acknowledgment of marginalized histories, ensuring queer experiences are inscribed in cultural memory. Bringing dialogue through the fusion of timeless music and urgent social narratives. QueerPassion stands as a courageous testament to equality and resilience. A call for hope through action.