About the event
A unique celebration marking 300 years since the composition and first performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s 1725 Ascension Day Cantata Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein.
This momentous occasion also marks the arrival of Bach’s rare original manuscript of the cantata, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library, one of only four of the composer’s manuscripts in the UK. This colourful cantata for orchestra, chorus, and soloists was written for its first performance on Ascension Day in May 1725. Three hundred years later, it is the centrepiece of a celebratory concert exploring Bach’s compositions from this post-Easter period in 1725, alongside the premiere of a newly commissioned piece by British composer Judith Weir inspired by Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein.
World-leading Bach scholar and performer John Butt directs the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Choir of New College Oxford, whose director Robert Quinney has used his extensive knowledge of the manuscript to prepare the choir for this performance.
The manuscript, a tangible link to the past, will be on display in the Weston Library.
Programme
Manuscript viewing: 6.15 – 7.15pm (Weston Library)
Pre-concert talk: 6.30pm (30 minutes)
Concert: 7.30pm (75 minutes)
- JS Bach, Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 42, Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats
- Daniel Reynolds, Smears (premiere)
- JS Bach, Cantata BWV 103, Ihr werdet weinen und heulen
- Nicholas Samuel, The Four Neomartyrs of Rethymnon (premiere)
- JS Bach, Motet: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226
- Judith Weir, Upwards (premiere)
- JS Bach, Cantata BWV 128, Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein
Performers
- Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with members of the Bate Collective
- Choir and soloists of New College Oxford
- John Butt (director/harpsichord)
Book tickets
Tickets: £15 – £40
Students & Under 25s: £10
The manuscript viewing and pre-concert talk are free to all concert ticket holders. Book a complimentary ticket for the pre-concert talk while you're booking your concert ticket.
Ticket sales will close 3 hours before the event. A limited number of tickets may be available on the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information and tickets
Location
The manuscript viewing will take place at the Weston Library. The concert takes place in the Sheldonian Theatre.
Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ
Wheelchair access
The Sheldonian Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Find out more about accessibility at the theatre.
