Sydney Cantata Project - Where shall I flee?

The Sydney Cantata Project launches its 2025 season with a performance of two of Bach’s compelling cantatas, presented on period instruments at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Newtown, on Saturday 15 March at 3pm.

Bach’s Cantata BWV 5, Wo soll ich fliehen hin (Where shall I flee) is a fascinating work from his second annual cycle of chorale cantatas in Leipzig. It is a striking example of how Bach weaves theology, text painting, and musical complexity into a deeply expressive work. 

Cantata BWV 67, Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ (Remember Jesus Christ), composed for the first Sunday after Easter, explores the tension between doubt and faith, reflecting the Gospel story of Jesus appearing to his disciples, including the famous episode of Doubting Thomas. Perhaps the most extraordinary moment of the cantata is the dramatic central movement, where the choir anxiously repeats "Peace be with you!" while the bass soloist, representing Christ, reassures them with calm authority.

Join us for an afternoon of extraordinary music in the beautiful St Stephen’s Newtown.