In the spring of 1724, at the beginning of his second year in Leipzig, Bach embarked on a project to compose a full annual cycle of cantatas based on the rich repertory of Lutheran chorales, or hymns. Thought by many scholars to be one of his greatest achievements, this annual cycle produced many of his most well-known cantatas. The final concert of the 2026 festival will feature four of these brilliant compositions, including the beloved Wachet auf, or Sleepers Wake.

Featuring
Sherezade Panthaki & Jane Fingler, sopranos
Nicholas Burns & Peter Koniers, altos
Asitha Tennekoon & William Salinas-Crosby, tenor
Stephen Hegedus and Martin Gomes, basses
The Toronto Bach Festival Orchestra

Programme
Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 91
Herr Jesu Christ, wahr’ Mensch und Gott, BWV 127
Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 93
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140