Bach 1725

About Bach 1725

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 center-piece of a celebratory concert exploring Bach’s compositions from this post-Easter period in 1725, alongside a newly commissioned piece by Judith Weir and student compositions 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, Bodleian Libraries. 

Presented by the Cultural Programme at Oxford University and the Bodleian Libraries.  

Performers 

• Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment 
• Choir of New College Oxford 
• John Butt (director) 

Programme 

• J. S. Bach Sinfonia to Cantata BWV42 Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats
  • New piece by University of Oxford composition student 
• J.S. Bach Cantata BWV103 Ihr werdet weinen und heulen
  • New piece by University of Oxford composition student 
• J.S. Bach Motet: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV226
  • Judith Weir Upwards (premiere) 
• J.S. Bach Cantata BWV128 Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein

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Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

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Booking information

Ticket prices:

General – £15.00 – £40.00

Student & U25 – £10.00

Dates & times:

Wednesday 07 May 2025 at 6.30pm

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