A PERFORMANCE of a long-thought lost piece of music will take place at Christchurch Priory on Good Friday.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers will perform CPE Bach’s St John Passion 1784 at the church on April 18 at 7.30pm.

Carl Philipp Emanuel – one of JS Bach’s 20 children – was one of the foremost composers of the 18th century, though now he is almost completely overshadowed by the reputation of his father.

His 1784 St John Passion was re-discovered only a few years ago by BSO Principal Conductor Kirill Karabits in the Ukraine.

It was transcribed by Kirill Karabits. He undertook the work as part of his studies and is now being performed in the UK for the first time.

Debuting in London at Cadogan Hall on Wednesday April 16, the musical performance at Christchurch Priory is being hailed as a historical concert as it is an estimated 230 years since the piece was last played.

Kirill Karabits said: “One of the most fascinating feelings for a conductor or a musician of our time is to rediscover great music which was considered lost or has simply been forgotten.

“This piece was probably last performed in Hamburg during Easter 1784.

“CPE Bach was one of the most important composers in the history of German music and I feel highly privileged to be part of the rediscovery of his vocal legacy, especially during his 300th anniversary year.”

Kirill performs his own new edition of this missing work in a unique collaboration, featuring Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra working with the BBC Singers.

Tickets cost £15, £18, £21 and £29. To book,go to bsolive.com or call the Regent Centre on 01202 499199.