THE BIRMINGHAM Bach Choir comes to Malvern Priory to perform a very special Eastertide concert, the St John Passion, by JS Bach.

The Passion is considered by many to be the most sublime choral work ever written, and some critics maintain that it is an opera in all but name.

Bach was born in Eisenach, in the Duchy of Saxe-Eisenach, in 1685, and he came from a family of musicians.

In 1736, he received the title of "Royal Court Composer" from Augustus III; but after his death his works were rarely played until the early nineteenth century, when he was effectively rediscovered.

Now Bach is widely regarded as one of greatest composers to have lived, alongside the likes of Handel, Mozart and Beethoven.

The performance, on Saturday, March 5, at 7.30pm, will feature a full cast of soloists and a chamber orchestra conducted by Paul Spicer.

And now Malvern Gazette readers have the chance of winning tickets for this stunning performance.

Five pairs of tickets are up for grabs.

To enter, readers must answer this question:

WHERE AND WHEN WAS JS BACH BORN?

Entries should be by email to gary.bills-geddes@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

or by postcard to Bach Competition, The Malvern Gazette, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.

The closing date is Monday, February 22.

Tickets for purchase are available now from Malvern Theatres on, 01684 892277.

Further details at, www.birmingham.bachchoir.com