29 November is not only Advent Sunday, but we will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Bach Vespers in the City of London! Bach Vespers was started by Peter Lea-Cox in Autumn 1976. It is amazing that it is still going today, and we feel privileged to be part of this long tradition. This Bach Vespers service takes place at 6.30pm at St George’s Lutheran Church, Alie Street, London, E1 8EB.

Come and celebrate with us as we perform Bach’s magnificent and much loved cantata, BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme. This is based on the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, a famous Lutheran hymn tune by Nicolai, and love poetry from the Song of Songs. The work has been described as ‘a cantata without weaknesses, without a dull bar, technically, emotionally and spiritually of the highest order, its sheer perfection and its boundless imagination rouse one’s wonder time and time again’ (W. G. Whittaker). The service will include other German vocal works and jubilant instrumental music of celebration and for the Advent season.

Everyone is welcome (you don’t have to be religious), and attendance is free. Do come along and bring your friends. We look forward to seeing you there to share Bach’s wonderful music!