This follows the critically acclaimed Bach Cantata series, and Bach the European mini-series, which for over ten years have seen a host of stellar conductors and directors working with Academy students.

Exactly 100 years before the founding of the Royal Academy of Music, Bach sought pastures new and applied for the post of Director of Music at St Thomas’s Church, Leipzig. He arrived in 1723 and embarked on an ambitious project to compose a new cantata for every Sunday and Feast Day of the liturgical year. The result represents some of his most enduring and expansive choral creations. This concert series commemorates the Bicentenary of the Royal Academy of Music – its founding in 1822 and the admission of our first students in 1823 – and celebrates the magnificent works Bach created around a century earlier.

The Academy’s Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE said: ‘The Academy’s connections with Bach go back to the early days of our founding, with first performances in the English-speaking world of seminal works. Since we started our first cantata series in 2009 performance practices and styles have evolved, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to revisit the first cycle of cantatas – which represent one of the most extraordinarily creative periods of Bach’s life.

‘Our complete Bach Cantatas series between 2009 and 2019 and the subsequent mini-series, ‘Bach the European’, were made possible by the generosity and inspiration of Sir Ralph Kohn. As we return to explore the masterpieces of the composer’s first cycle from Sir Ralph’s birthplace, we remember his passion for Bach alongside his profound friendship with the Academy. We are delighted that his legacy continues, thanks to the support of Sir Ralph’s daughter, Dr Michelle Kohn, and the ongoing support of Fondation Meyer.’

Booking for Bach in Leipzig opens to Patrons on 14 December and to the general public on 16 December.

Bach in Leipzig: The First Cycle of Cantatas in 2022 includes:

Sunday 23 January at 12 noon
Directed by John Butt
JS Bach Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22
Kuhnau arr JS Bach Der Gerechte kommt um
JS Bach Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn, BWV 23

Sunday 27 February at 12 noon
Directed By Rachel Podger
JS Bach Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß, BWV 134; Wer mich liebet, BWV 59; Wo gehest du hin?, BWV 166

Sunday 20 March at 12 noon
Directed by Eamonn Dougan
JS Bach Ich glaube, lieber Herr, BWV 109; Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65; Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut, BWV 199

Sunday 8 May at 12 noon
Directed By Iain Ledingham
JS Bach Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 190; Wer da gläubet und getauft wird, BWV 37; Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!, BWV 70

Sunday 3 July at 12 noon
Directed by John Butt
JS Bach Erwünschtes Freudenlicht, BWV 184; Leichtgesinnte Flattergeister, BWV 181; Erschallet, ihr Lieder, BWV 172

Sunday 9 October at 12 noon
Directed by Peter Whelan
JS Bach Du Hirte Israel, höre, BWV 104; Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens, BWV 148; Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes, BWV 40

Sunday 6 November at 12 noon
Directed by Dame Jane Glover
JS Bach Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, BWV 76; Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69a

Sunday 4 December at 12 noon
Directed by Iain Ledingham
JS Bach Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66; Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147

Full listings for 2023 will be announced later next year.