After the awesome performance of James MacMillan’s St John Passion on Thursday night by the BBC SSO with chief conductor Donald Runnicles, baritone Mark Stone as a superlative Christus and the two choirs of the London Symphony Chorus and the BBC Singers, I emerged from the City Halls into Candleriggs drenched in sweat (only partly due to the claustrophobic conditions in the packed auditorium) physically shattered, emotionally moist-eyed, intellectually uplifted and spiritually humbled.

Michael Tumelty, Herald, 3 October 2011

James MacMillan's setting of the Passion was first heard in London more than three years ago, so this Scottish premiere was choreographed as a homecoming of sorts. It was the BBCSSO's season opener, with their chief conductor Donald Runnicle fresh from announcing a three-year extension to his contract the day before. With 90 minutes of full-throttle orchestra, double choirs (BBC Singers and London Symphony Chorus) and baritone soloist (Mark Stone) all on superb form the evening was not bereft of grand gestures.

Kate Molleson, Guardian, 2 October 2011

blisteringly performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers, London Symphony Chorus and baritone Mark Stone as Christus.

Fiona Maddock, The Observer, 9 October 2011