Academy of Ancient Music - The Chosen One
- Date
- 14 April, 2026
- Start time:
- 19:30
- Venue Name
- West Road Concert Hall
Description
Leipzig’s got talent: in 1723 Bach competed for one of Germany’s top musical jobs. Today, Laurence Cummings and Academy of Ancient Music reveal exactly what he was up against.
Genius loves company, but when a plum job is up for grabs the gloves come off. After Bach got the gig in Leipzig in 1723, his disappointed employers made it very clear that he wasn’t even their second choice. So who came first – and, for that matter, second? You’d expect them to be good.
Today, we hear exactly how good, as Laurence Cummings and AAM re-open the Leipzig personnel files and go musical headhunting all over again. Hear the very cantatas that Georg Philipp Telemann and Christoph Graupner composed as musical job applications – music that gave Bach a run for his money. And then, of course, we’ll hear from the man himself: first among equals in a golden age of sacred music.
Performers
Hilary Cronin
soprano
Helen Charlston
alto
Nick Pritchard
tenor
Ben Kazez
bass
Academy of Ancient Music
orchestra & choir
Laurence Cummings
director & harpsichord
Programme
Graupner
Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden
Telemann
Ich muß auf den Bergen weinen und heulen
Bach
Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn
There will be a free pre-concert talk in the auditorium at 6.30pm
Accessibility Information
Induction Loop
An induction loop is installed in the Concert Hall for those who are hard of hearing. Patrons in rows D-T can use the induction loop system by simply adjusting their hearing aid to the ‘T’ position. Please note that rows A-C and the East and West Balconies are not covered by the induction loop system.
Parking
There are a number of accessbile parking bays on the Sidgwick Site, available on a non-reservable basis in the evenings and at weekends. You may also use the West Road car park for drop off and pick up.
Seating
Row D has level access and is most suitable for those with reduced mobility. Three wheelchair spaces are available in Concert Hall (D19-21). Please contact the relevant box office provider to request a wheelchair space.
Toilets
An accessible toilet is available approximately 18 metres from the main seating area
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the building