Barocke Klangpracht und Lichterfeier zu Mariä Lichtmess

In the organizer's words:

On Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m., the Kreuzkirche Dresden invites you to the traditional Candlemas Vespers. The festival marks the festive end of the Christmas season and impressively picks up on the symbolism of light.

The musical program offers baroque treasures: In addition to works by Lucas Osiander and Gregor Joseph Werner, Johann Sebastian Bach's moving aria "Bekennen will ich seinen Namen" can be heard. The festive cantata by Georg Philipp Telemann and the radiant Magnificat in A major by Johann David Heinichen round off the evening. The soloists Heidi Maria Taubert (soprano), Annekathrin Laabs (alto), Sören Richter (tenor) and Clemens Heidrich (bass) will perform together with a baroque orchestra on period instruments under the direction of cruciform organist Holger Gehring.

The highlight is the passing of the Light of Peace from Bethlehem to the congregation, followed by a procession during which the Kreuzkirche is illuminated in magnificent Metten lighting.