The cantata ‘Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit’ begins the new year with vigorous resolve. Inspired by the story of the faithful centurion it was composed in 1725 in Leipzig for the third Sunday after Advent.

The chorale upon which it is based is a hymn dating back to pre-Reformation days and is woven into pieces by several composers Bach admired including Lassus and Schutz. Its distinctive melodic shape and harmony elicit great energy in Bach’s writing whilst its central duet for alto and tenor depict two souls drawing close to heaven.

Hannah Wakeford from the University of Bristol (and co-author of Bang!! The Complete History of the Universe with Chris Lintott and Brian May) will take us on a journey to explore how measuring the atmosphere of exoplanets in galaxies far, far away using telescopes like Hubble and the John Webb to try to understand their climate and environments offer a window onto our own solar system.

Throughout the season we also shine a light on the music of the Flemish composer Jacobus Clemens (c. 1510 – 1556). A prolific composer of sacred music, he was greatly admired by many of his contemporaries including Orlando Lassus. Today we hear the motet Magi videntes stellam, a contemplation of the ‘wise men’s’ joy at sighting the Star of Bethlehem.