BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bach is back in the Valley.
The 115th Bethlehem Bach Festival takes place Fridays May 12 and 19 and Saturdays, May 13 and 20 at the Zoellner Center for the Arts, Incarnation of the Church, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and Packer Memorial Church.
- Bach in Bethlehem takes place over two weekends in May
- There are free concerts on May 12 and 19 at Payrow Plaza, 10 E. Church Street
- The choir and orchestra is under the director of the organization's new artistic director, Christopher Jackson
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, gave its first performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 1900 and Christmas Oratorio in 1901.
The nearly 100 dedicated volunteer singers of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, performing with the Bach Festival Orchestra and distinguished soloists, have received international acclaim. Programming includes 40 concerts and educational programs per year for an audience of more than 22,000.
What's new
Performing in the two-weekend event will be the Bach Choir, the Bach Festival Orchestra, the Bel Canto Youth Chorus, plus a mix of soloists, all under the direction of the organization's new artistic director and conductor, Christopher Jackson.
“The Bethlehem Bach Festival is not just a musical event, it is a tradition that has touched the lives of so many people over the last century."Christopher Jackson, artistic director of Bethlehem Bach Festival
Jackson replaced longtime leader Greg Funfgeld, who retired last June after 39 years.
“The Bethlehem Bach Festival is not just a musical event, it is a tradition that has touched the lives of so many people over the last century. As the newest artistic director and conductor of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, I have been inspired by the personal accounts of how this festival has changed lives, renewed faith, and brought people together," Jackson said.
"It is my honor to continue this tradition and invite music lovers to immerse themselves in the beauty of this music and community. Join us for four major concerts, world-class soloists, chamber music, lectures, communal chorale sings, and the incomparable Mass in B Minor. Experience the joy and reflection that this festival brings, whether it is your first or fiftieth time.”
Soloists and more
Vocal soloists include soprano Sherezade Panthaki, mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle, tenor Benjamin Butterfield, baritone William Sharp and bass-baritone Edmund Milly.
The festival kicks off with a free concert noon on Fridays when the choir takes Bach outside into Payrow Plaza (adjacent to City Hall, 10 E. Church Street).
This year, the distinguished scholar lecture will be given by Dr. Michael Maul.
Maul will discuss his work on "Discovering Bach — The Story of Unearthing the Aria, Alles mit Gott, BWV 1127."
The discussion, held at 2 p.m. Fridays in the Zoellner Arts Center, also offers insight on Bach and the hidden messages found in his arias.
Friday's lineup
At 4 p.m. on Fridays, there’s a choice of two “Bach at 4” performances.
The first concert is at the Incarnation of Our Lord Church (Thomas and Buchanan Streets) and features Bach's Alles mit Gott, BWV 1127 and Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 (Actus Tragicus).
The community is invited to participate with members of the choir to sing Bach Chorales prior to the Bach at 4 Concert (sheet music will be provided).
The second concert takes place at the Saal of the Moravian Museum (on Church Street) and will feature the Vivaldi Project performing on period instruments.
This year’s “Bach at 8” concerts feature two Bach concertos with cellist and artist-in-residence Loretta O'Sullivan. (8 p.m. Fridays, Packer Memorial Church).
Songs on Saturday
The Ifor Jones Chamber Music Concert (Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center) features Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos in G Minor, RV 531 and Bach's Orchestral Suite in D Major, BWV 1068, along with the Bel Canto Concert choir (10 a.m. Saturdays).
The Bach Chorale will be joined by the Festival Brass Choir at Packer Memorial Church (12:30 p.m. Saturdays).
Also at Packer Memorial: Jackson presents Part 1 of the "The Mass in B Minor" at 1 p.m. and 4:30 and Part 2 at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Can't make it? There will be a livestream on May 13.
Tickets are on sale at www.bach.org/season
