“I am so thrilled that the Thomanerchor of Leipzig, Germany, chose to make Bethlehem one of the stops on their American tour,” says Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem.

“It really speaks to the history of Johann Sebastian Bach here in Bethlehem and our long-standing relationship with our partners in Leipzig,” Jackson says.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem presents “Gala Concert: Thomanerchor,” 4 p.m. March 8, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, with the Gala dinner, 6 p.m. March 8, Hotel Bethlehem.

“Founded in 1212, the Thomanerchor of Leipzig, a boys’ choir, is one of the oldest institutions of education and musical education in Europe,” says Jackson. “And, for the last 25 years of Bach’s life, he and the choir were tasked with providing the music for the St. Thomas Church on a weekly basis.”

Concert selections, to be performed a cappella, include works by Francis Poulenc, the “Kyrie” from Frank Martin’s “Messe pour double choeur a cappella,” two motets by J.S. Bach and “Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Mühseligen” by Johannes Brahms.

The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir joins the Thomanerchor in the concert for a work by Felix Mendelssohn.

“Every year, virtually all the funds raised by the gala concert and the dinner which follows support our educational and community engagement programs such as our youth choirs and afterschool choral programs for schools that don’t yet have a choral program,” Jackson says.

“For anyone who loves choral music, wants to see one of the best youth choirs on the planet and feels philanthropic, join us for a truly intriguing program,” says Jackson.

Bach Choir of Bethlehem, “Gala Concert: Thomanerchor,” 4 p.m. March 8, Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem; Tickets: Bach Choir office, 440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem; office@bach.org; 610-866-4382 ext. 110 or 115; https://bach.org/tickets . Benefactor tickets for The Bach Choir Gala, 6 p.m., Hotel Bethlehem, include reserved premium concert seating, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and silent auction. Gala Benefactor tickets available by phone only: 610- 866-4382

“This concert is about war and peace and given current world events, is very timely,” says Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Music Director and Conductor.

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents “Brahms & Copland,” 7:30 p.m. March 8; 2 p.m. March 9, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

The concert opens with Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” composed in response to the United States’ entry into World War II.

Guest vocalists soprano Deanna Breiwick and baritone John Brancy join the ASO Chorus, led by Chorus Master Eduardo Azzatti, and the ASO for Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem.”

Having volunteered for the British Army in World War I, Vaughan Williams saw combat which he poignantly conveys in music; augmented by the poetry of Walt Whitman, based on Whitman’s experiences during the American Civil War, and passages from the Bible and Latin Mass. The texts will be projected on a screen.

After intermission, the ASO performs Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98.”

“The music speaks to very strong emotions,” says Wittry. “The first movement depicts sighing and tears. The second, a funeral march, is a statement of strength. The third reflects the joy of life and the fourth emotes hope and determination,” Wittry says.

Allentown Symphony Orchestra, “Brahms & Copland,” 7:30 p.m. March 8; 2 p.m. March 9, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Free tickets for those 21 and under. Tickets: box office; 610-432-6715; https://millersymphonyhall.org/

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