“For the 40th time, hundreds of people will partake in our ‘Twelfth Night Festival,’” says Andrew Lutz-Long, Christ Lutheran Associate Music Director and “Twelfth Night Festival” Conductor.

The 40th “Twelfth Night Festival” is presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 13 and 14, Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown.

“It is remarkable to be part of this massive community undertaking in a time when ventures like this are long gone or nearly forgotten,” Lutz-Long says.

Twelfth Night, observed approximately the 12th day after Christmas, references Epiphany (Jan. 6) and commemorates The Bible’s New Testament story of the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ child.

Celebrations of the Twelfth Night began in the Middle Ages, centered around an elegant feast and processions or dances with music accompaniment.

The Christ Church Festival began after three successful years of a Twelfth Night feast.

Originally organized and directed by Eleanor D. Kramp, wife of Christ Lutheran’s then Pastor Paul Kramp, the event moved to the church sanctuary.

Church parishioners became fully-engaged in building the staging, props and other structures on-site.

The original costumes were designed by three parishioners, including Emily Vincent who, today, is still fitting costumes for the 40th season.

Original costumes have been preserved or adapted for the latest production.

Music is an integral component of Twelfth Night celebrations.

Michael Krentz is Christ Lutheran Music Director and Organist. Andrew Lutz-Long, Associate Music Director, will conduct the approximate 20-piece orchestra of musicians from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Allentown Band.

Participants include the Christ Church Choir, two dozen volunteer singers from area congregations, William Allen High School Dancers and City of Bethlehem Bagpipe Band.

Music selections include:

“We Three Kings.” composed in 1857 by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church;

“Masters in This Hall,” a tune by French composer Marin Marais (c. 1706), with lyrics by English poet and artist William Morris (c. 1860)

“The Boar’s Head Carol,” an English carol premised on a medieval tradition, arranged by David Wilcox;

“The Shepherds’ Farewell,” from the oratorio, “L’enfance du Christ,” by Hector Berlioz (1853-1854);

“Goodnight and Farewell,” from the opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” by Gian Carlo Menotti;

“Joy to the World,” an English carol (c. 1719), arranged by Frank Kuykendall;

“I Saw Three Ships,” an English carol (17th century), arranged by Mark Reese;

“Sussex Carol,” original carol by Irish Bishop Luke Wadding (c. 1684), contemporary tune and lyrics by Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams (published 1919), arranged by Elaine Hagenberg, and

“Creation Will Be at Peace.” by Anna Laura Page (20th century)

In addition to Michael Krentz and Alfred Lutz-Long, “Twelfth Night Festival” leadership includes John T. Sechler, Director; Janice Bachman, Casting Director, and Susie Black, Stage Director.

“What stands out as the Twelfth Night story and music unfold, we realize that we are the story,” says Lutz-Long.

“Over 2,000 years later, each in our own way, we are shepherds, wise men or angels … nurses, graphic designers, teachers … trying to live a life of Christ, following the light, seeking hope and longing for peace,” Lutz-Long says.

“Twelfth Night Festival,” 7:30 pm Jan. 12; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 14, Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. The 1 p.m. Jan. 13 performance was at capacity as of Dec 27, 2023. Information: info@christ-atown.org; 610-433-1907. Tickets: 610-433-4271; http://www.christ-atown.org/twelfth-night-festival

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers.To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com