Arcadia Players, New England’s period instrument ensemble, presents Johann Theile’s St. Matthew Passion in its first-ever performance in the region. Theile was a gifted pupil of Heinrich Schütz and a teacher of Dietrich Buxtehude, and his elegant 1673 setting of the Passion text is a little-known masterpiece of the early Baroque. Tenor William Hite sings the role of the Evangelist; baritone John Salvi that of Jesus. Gregory Hayes conducts the Arcadia Players ensemble, soloists and chorus. the Arcadia Players ensemble, soloists and chorus.