The Bach Choir of Bethlehem Email Format
MusiciansPennsylvania, United States0-1 Employees
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is the oldest Bach choir in America. Founded in 1898, The Bach Choir gave the first complete performances in the United States of The Mass in B Minor and The Christmas Oratorio. Under Greg Funfgeld’s passionate and experienced direction, The 100 volunteer members sing with the dedication and enthusiasm of The Bach Choir of a century ago, but today’s performances, featuring the finely-honed vocal ensemble, a fully professional orchestra, and world-renowned soloists. The Mission of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, to promote and encourage appreciation of the aesthetic and spiritual value of Bach’s music through education and performance, including performances of works by composers who influenced Bach or were influenced by him, and to strive for the highest standards of musical excellence. Since its founding in 1898, the now-famous Choir has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival.The repertoire includes 133 cantatas, all of the motets, and 15 of Bach’s larger works. The Choir has presented its outstanding “Bach to School” program to nearly 75,000 children. Other educational programs include the annual Family Concert, a Choral Scholars program for gifted high-school seniors who sing with The Choir for one year, and a Philadelphia High School Bach Weekend.