With a theme of “Music for Candlemas,” this concert presents two cantatas and a motet by J. S. Bach, and a cantata by Johann Kuhnau: * Mit Fried und Freud fahr ich dahin (With peace and joy I now depart), BWV 125 * Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn (I will not let you leave until you bless me), BWV 157 * Motet: Ich lasse dich nicht, BWV Anh. 159 * Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden (I desire to die in peace) by Kuhnau There is no charge for admission. These cantatas celebrate the Feast of the Purification (or Candlemas). Cantata 125 is based on Luther’s hymn “Mit Fried und Freud,” known as “Simeon’s Song” or the “Nunc dimittis.” Simeon’s joy that seeing the infant Jesus will allow him to die in peace is echoed in Cantata 157 in Kuhnau’s cantata “Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden” (I desire to die in peace to be with Christ). A talk by Dr. Roseen Giles before the concert in the Divinity School’s Goodson Chapel at 4:00 p.m. will provide musical and historical context for the performance. Families with young children are invited to attend a rehearsal the day before the concert (February 3) between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. for a chance to hear the music of the concert in an informal setting.