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Liz Dilnot Johnson
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Papagena's exciting new work for women's voices by Liz Dilnot Johnson that tells the story of the crucifixion from the perspective of women at the foot of the cross, premiered at Great Malvern Priory, the composer’s home town, during Holy Week.​​​​
Passia
This radical work is written by Ivors Award winner Liz Dilnot Johnson and commissioned and performed by Papagena. The piece explores the emotional landscape of five different women witnessing violence, allowing women’s voices to be heard and reflecting today’s "unsettled" world.
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The five professional singers in Papagena each represent one of the principal female characters of the crucifixion, including Mary, Christ’s mother, Mary Magdalen, Veronica, and sisters Martha and Mary.
The singers tell the story in real time, singing out hopes and fears and sharing memories to revealing their inner responses to the events as they unfold, ending with Mary holding the broken body of her son. The newly created libretto by Sarah Meyrick dives into each character, and we are drawn into their world as they share memories of their own relationship with the man who is condemned to death
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A chorus of angels, sung by an upper voice choir, flutters and floats above the human tragedy, contrasting darkness with light. Four upper voice choirs have performed alongside Papagena during the premiere performances in Holy Week 2026: The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, the University of Warwick Upper Voices, Encoro, and the choristers of Christchurch Priory, Dorset.​​
Press
World Premiere
at Great Malvern Priory
Papagena's Passia project receives financial assistance from The Elmley Foundation, Francis Routh Trust and the Finzi Trust:
