The Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra (PSO) continues “Valley Vivaldi,” 7 p.m. July 28, Wesley Church, Bethlehem.

The second “Valley Vivaldi” 2024 Summer Series presents two extraordinary works by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a cello concerto by composer Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) and a trio sonata by Pietro Locatelli (1695-1764).

The concert opens with J.S. Bach’s “Trio Sonata” from “The Musical Offering,” BWV 1079, featuring Concertmaster Simon Maurer and flutist Christine Moulton. Composed in 1747 and considered one of Bach’s finest chamber works, the flute part was written specifically for Prussian King Frederick the Great, an accomplished flutist, and is based upon a “Royal Theme” provided by the king.

Primarily known for his operas, Nicola Porpora also composed oratorios, cantatas and instrumental works. Likely written between 1733-1736, the “Cello Concerto No. 1 in G major” is considered his best-known cello piece and is performed by PSO cellist Noelle Grand.

After intermission, flutist Moulton returns as featured soloist in Pietro Locatelli’s cheerful “Trio Sonata Op. 5, No. 4 in C major” published in 1746.

The concert concludes with J.S. Bach’s moving cantata “Ich habe genug,” BWV 82A. Featuring soloist Katelyn Grace Jackson, the soprano transcription of the original bass voice speaks to the way mortality was viewed in the 18th century: a desire to escape earthly misery and an opportunity to unite with the creator.

Growing up in Berks County, Jackson spent a good portion of her singing career in Washington, D.C. She has soloed with the American Bach Soloists, Washington Bach Consort, Cathedral Choral Society, The Thirteen and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem. In 2021, she received a Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.

“This program presents exquisite Baroque works,” says Maurer. “And although the music of Antonio Vivaldi is absent from this program, looking ahead, our August 18 concert will showcase one of his double violin concertos.”

“Valley Vivaldi,” Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, 7 p.m. July 28, Wesley Church, 2540 Center St., Bethlehem; Tickets: at the door, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra office, 1524 W. Linden St., Allentown; 610-434-7811; https://www.pasinfonia.org/

The Macungie Band presents “A Broadway Showcase,” music from some of Broadway’s classic shows, 7:30 p.m. July 28, West Park, Allentown.

The concert opens with selections from “Phantom of the Opera,” which had an extraordinary run as Broadway’s longest-running show and musical (1988-2023). Warren Barker’s arrangement includes “Think of Me,” “Angel of Music” and “The Music of the Night.”

Lehigh Valley-based guest vocalist Julia Erin Urich joins the band in “Highlights from Kiss Me Kate,” which graced the Broadway stage from 1948-1951.

Urich began music studies in piano, flute and voice at a very early age. She performed in pit orchestras for productions at Muhlenberg College Summer Theatre, MunOpCo Music Theater and Civic Theatre of Allentown. Urich received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theater from Muhlenberg College and is the recipient of nine Emmy Awards.

The program continues with Bob Lowden’s arrangement of “Selections from ‘The Wiz’” (1975-1979; revivals in 1984 and 2024) and Warren Barker’s arrangement of “Selections from Les Miserables” (1987-2003; revivals in 2006 and 2014).

Urich returns to the stage for Paul Yoder’s arrangement of “Highlights from Gypsy,” reminiscing that her first foray into musical theater was “Gypsy” (1959-1961; several revivals and an anticipated revival in December).

The band continues with Irwin Kostal and Alfred Reed’s arrangement of “Selections from Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins” (2006-2013) and Jay Bocook’s “Selections from Wicked” (2003; now at the Gershwin Theatre, New York City.

The concert closes with Urich joining in Robert Russell Bennett’s “My Fair Lady” (1956-1962; several revivals through 2018).

“Macungie Band: A Broadway Showcase,” 7:30 p.m. July 28, West Park, 16th and Linden streets, Allentown; Inclement weather location: Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm St., Allentown; Information: https://www.macungieband.com/

The Jerusalem Singers presents its “29th Season,” 7 p.m., July 28, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Easton, and 7:30 p.m., July 30, Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, Salisbury Township.

“Our program’s theme is all about peace,” says Pete Deshler, Director, Jerusalem Singers.

The program opens with Deshler’s composition “Lord, Make Us Instruments,” based on a text by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Next are the Alice Parker and Robert Shaw arrangement of the traditional early American folk hymn “Bright Canaan” and Richard Farrant’s hymn “Lord, for Thy Tender Mercy’s Sake,” a work sourced from the 1566 text “Lidley’s Prayers.”

The program continues with traditional selections “Music Alone Shall Live” and “Dona nobis pacem,” a short prayer for peace from the “Agnus Dei” of the Latin Mass.

Harold W. Friedell (1905-1958) was one of the foremost church musicians, organists and teachers in New York by the 1940s and his anthem “King of Glory, King of Peace” to the 17th century text by George Herbert won Friedell the 1941 Anthem Prize of the American Guild of Organists.

Says Deshler, “The next three selections are most moving for me and relate that all people are very similar, if people take the time to understand each other and work for the betterment of all.”

Works include “We Are” by Bob Chilcott, based on “The Human Family” by American poet Maya Angelou; “Turn the World Around” by Harry Belafonte, and “In Paradisum” by Z. Randall Stroope.

The concert closes with Philip Lawson’s arrangement of the 19th century tune “Down to the River,” Houston Bright’s spiritual “I Hear a Voice A-Prayin’” and William Henry Smith’s arrangement of the spiritual “Ride Chariot.”

Director Pete Deshler is a Lehigh Valley-based composer, music educator, conductor, performer and founder of the Jerusalem Singers. His commissioned works often combine folk and Renaissance melodies with contemporary compositional practices. Deshler received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Music Education from West Chester University.

The Jerusalem Singers was founded in 1996 to bring together people of different ages and singing experience to perform quality choral music at a superior level. The organization is accepting new members.

Jerusalem Singers, “29th Season,” 7 p.m. July 28, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Road, Easton; 7:30 p.m. July 30, Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, 3441 Devonshire Road, Salisbury Township. Information: 610-657-2823; https://jerusalemsingers.com/

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