When we were kids, Bach was the bane of our existence. During childhood piano lessons, time spent struggling with the German composer's Inventions 1 through 5 forced us to miss out on crucial bike-riding time and numerous episodes of Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.  But if any orchestra can help us overcome our aversion to the music of Johann Sebastian, it's the Northwest Sinfonietta. Conductor Christophe Chagnard, 93 musicians, PLU Choral Union and five soloists perform J.S. Bach's sacred oratorio St. John Passion - a harrowing tale of power, betrayal, murder, love, compassion, and hope.

J.S. BACH'S ST. JOHN PASSION; 7:30 p.m., Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, $27.50-$60, 253.591.5894; 2 p.m., Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 S. Meridian, Puyallup, $40, 866.833.4747