The Bach Choir of Bethlehem announces its 2026-27 season, marking Artistic Director and Conductor Christopher Jackson\u2019s fifth season.<\/p>\n
Concert Season<\/p>\n
The Christmas celebration features J.S. Bach\u2019s \u201cJauchzet, frohlocket!\u201d and a new musical setting of \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d by Benedict Sheehan.<\/p>\n
Performance Dates: Dec. 12 & 13, 2026<\/p>\n
The Greg Funfgeld Family Concert \u201cHarmony of the Spheres\u201d is presented in collaboration with Da Vinci Science Center. The program explores the intersection of music, science and space with Eric Whitacre\u2019s \u201cLeonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine\u201d and \u201cGoodnight Moon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Performance Date: Feb. 20, 2027<\/p>\n
The Spring Concert features Joby Talbot\u2019s \u201cPath of Miracles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Performance Date: March 21, 2027<\/p>\n
119th Bethlehem Bach Festival<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Festival follows Bach\u2019s influence across generations with instrumental performances, chamber concerts, choral concerts, and conversations with leading scholars. There will be performances of Mendelssohn\u2019s 1841 adaptation of \u201cSt. Matthew Passion\u201d and Bach\u2019s \u201cMass\u201d in B Minor. Soloists include sopranos Sherezade Panthaki and Katelyn Grace Jackson, mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle, tenor James Reese, and bass-baritone Edmund Milly.<\/p>\n
Performance Dates: May 13-16, 2027<\/p>\n
Tour\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Choir will serve as the sole North American ambassador in a multinational performance commemorating the 300th anniversary of the St. Matthew Passion at Bachfest Leipzig.<\/p>\n
Performance Date: June 2027 (TBA)<\/p>\n
Bel Canto and Community Events<\/p>\n
The free \u201cBach at Noon\u201d series takes place at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem and St. John\u2019s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Allentown.<\/p>\n
Performance Dates: Sept. 8, 2026 \u2013 April 13, 2027<\/p>\n
The 13th \u201cBiennial Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers\u201d takes place in collaboration with the American Bach Society. Finalists will perform in front of a live audience and judges Christopher Jackson, Meg Bragle, Jessica Beebe, and Matthew Dirst. The first-prize winner will receive a $3,000 career development grant and an opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Bach Choir in a future season.<\/p>\n
Performance Date: Oct. 24, 2026<\/p>\n
The Bel Canto Youth Chorus presents \u201cFor This Joy\u201d which features a contemporary setting of \u201cLobe den Herren.\u201d<\/p>\n
Performance Date: Nov. 22, 2026<\/p>\n
The annual Scholarship Recital is next. Proceeds support access to choral education.<\/p>\n
Performance Date: Jan. 24, 2027<\/p>\n
Bel Canto concludes its season with \u201cA Garden Path\u201d joined by collaborative partners from the Wilson Area School District.<\/p>\n
Performance Date: April 11, 2027<\/p>\n
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