Published November 22. 2023 10:50PM
To celebrate its 125th anniversary, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, along with the Bach Festival Orchestra and international soloists, on Nov. 4 recorded the worldwide premiere performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s interpretation of J.S. Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” in Packer Memorial Church, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.
The concert was the culmination of more than five years of research by musicologist Malcolm Bruno. The composition was published in September by Barenreiter Publishing. The CD recording of the concert is expected to be available in 2024.
The concert, attended by an estimated 700, was part of the Bach Choir’s annual Gala Concert and Fundraiser. After the concert, a benefactor dinner was held at Saucon Valley Country Club.
The Bach Choir annual Christmas concerts are J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat” and Cantata 63 at 4 p.m. Dec. 9, First Presbyterian Church Allentown and 4 p m. Dec. 10, First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem.
Ticket information: 610-866-4382, ext.115,110; bach.org
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO From left: William Sharp, baritone; Dann Coakwell, tenor; Clara Rottsolk, soprano; Luthien Brackett, mezzo-soprano; Dr. Christopher Jackson, Bach Choir Artistic Director-Conductor; Isaiah Bell, tenor; Elizabeth Field, concertmaster, and Enrico Lagasca, bass, at 125th Anniversary Concert, Lehigh University.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO From left: Malcolm Bruno, musicologist; Leela Breithaupt, Bach Choir Executive Director, and Dr. Christopher Jackson, Bach Choir Artistic Director-Conductor.
PRESS PHOTO BY PAUL WILLISTEIN 125th Anniversary Concert, Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Packer Memorial Church, Lehigh University.
