In Leipzig, one of Bach's principal duties was the performance of a sacred cantata at Sunday worship services. His theological sensitivity ensured that these extended works for voices and instruments were closely tied to the themes of each Sunday's gospel reading. At this Bach Vespers, the cantatas are presented in an evening prayer service surrounded with many of the same elements that gave them context and meaning in their original setting.

Choral motets, psalm settings, scripture readings and prayers are all chosen to give deeper insight to the listeners, who are also invited to sing and participate as Bach's congregation did.

The concert includes: J. S. Bach's Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, Eccard's Wach auf, du werte Christenheit and W.F. Bach's Lasset uns ablegen die Werke der Finsternis, Fk89. Featured vocal soloists include Dalma Boronkai Rodriguez, soprano; Cecilia Duarte, alto; Patrick Perez, tenor; and Brendan Emig, bass. Benjamin Crandall is the guest organist and Albert LeDoux is the director.

Gregory Barnett, associate professor of musicology at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, will deliver an Illuminations talk (pre-concert lecture) at 5:15 p.m. in the parish hall.