The Bach Choir of Bethlehem has celebrated a milestone: the “140th Bach at Noon” concert, Feb. 11, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem.

The concert program was Nicola Antonio Porpora (1686-1768), “Cello Concerto in G Major,” and Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Cantata BWV 140, “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme.”

Porpora’s concerto showcased the expressive richness of the cello, blending lyrical melodies and virtuosic passages in a Baroque masterpiece that highlights the instrument’s versatility.

Bach’s beloved cantata is a choral gem that invited listeners into a world of spiritual awakening through its elegant interplay of voices and instruments.

Together, these works provided a journey through the profound beauty and emotional depth of the Baroque era.

Some of the United States’ finest baroque singers were guest soloists:

Soprano Clara Rottsolk, one of the most sought-after performers of Bach, was soprano soloist on the Bach Choir’s recording of the Mendelssohn-Bach “Saint Matthew Passion.”

Bass-Baritone Paul Max Tipton returned to Bethlehem following his bass soloist performance at the 2024 Bethlehem Bach Festival.

The February “Bach at Noon” concert, named “The Daniel Family Memorial Concert,” was made possible in part by an endowment gift from John L. and Carol H. Daniel.

The next “Bach at Noon” is noon-1:30 p.m. March 11, Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

“Bach at Noon” concerts are live-streamed on the Bach Choir’s YouTube channel in partnership with Central Moravian Church.

Upcoming for The Bach Choir of Bethlehem:

The Greg Funfgeld Family Concert: Youth Choirs Festival, 3 p.m. Feb. 23, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University

“Gala Concert: The Thomanerchor,” St. Thomas Boys Choir, Leipzig, Germany,” 4 p.m. March 8, Central Moravian Church.

Ticket information: 610-866-4382; office@bach.org; https://bach.org/