Bach’s iconic St Matthew Passion heard through Romantic ears in a recreation of the concert that sparked the 19th-century Bach revival. The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, led from the violin by Rachael Beesley, partnered with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs conducted by Elizabeth Scott in an illuminating performance of Mendelssohn’s 1841 version – Australia’s first-ever on rare historical instruments on Thursday 17 April in ARCO’s Sydney Opera House debut.