Bethlehem is a city that has a lot going on all year long. While Christmas may have put us on the map, our many festivals and events are a hallmark of our city in their own right. One event that is definitely worth experiencing is the Bethlehem Bach Festival. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem presents this wonderful festival each year in the late spring to the delight of audiences. The tradition is on that is treasured in Bethlehem, and you’ll find locals and visitors from out of town among the attendees. So if you’re planning a trip to the Lehigh Valley this spring, be sure to take in a performance at the Bethlehem Bach Festival.
About the Bach Choir of Bethlehem
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem has deep roots in the Bethlehem community, as it dates back to 1898. It is the oldest Bach Choir in America and has ties to the Moravian settlers of Bethlehem. The prestigious choir that has traveled to perform internationally in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Thomaskirch in Leipzig. They’ve also played at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. The choir’s current director, Greg Funfgeld, has been directing the choir since 1983. Along with presenting the Bethlehem Bach Festival, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem gives performances throughout the year. Their year-round season includes 31 concerts, so if can’t make it to the Bethlehem Bach Festival this May, then you can try to attend another performance.
The Bethlehem Bach Festival
The Bethlehem Bach Festival includes lectures, lunches, dinners an of course, amazing performances of Bach’s beautiful music. The performances take place throughout Bethlehem including venues like the Zellner Arts Center at Lehigh University, the Incarnation of Our Lord Church, the Packer Memorial Church, and the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Attendees can look forward to performances from soloists Agnes Zsigovics, Rosa Lamoreaux, Daniel Taylor, Stephen Ng, William Sharp, and Dashon Burton. The music selection will include chamber music, chorales, cantatas, concertos, and Bach’s famous The Mass in B Minor.
Where to Stay When Attending the Bethlehem Bach Festival
When planning your visit to the Bethlehem Bach Festival, be sure to book your stay at the Sayre Mansion. Festivals like this bring many visitors to town and our Bethlehem boutique hotel tends to fill up quickly! When you stay at Sayre Mansion, you’ll be right in the heart of the city, so you’ll be close to the venues for the Bethlehem Bach Festival and all of the other wonder attractions nearby. Our rooms and suites are the perfect combination of old world elegance and modern comfort, so you have the ideal place to rest and recharge in between activities. Our knowledgeable and attentive staff will make sure your stay at the Sayre Mansion is as worry-free as possible so you’re getaway will be one to remember. We’ll see you soon!