|
|
Bach Choir of Bethlehem celebrating both Schwäbisch-Gmünd and their own 125th anniversary during this year’s Musikfest!
Bethlehem, PA, August 1, 2023 – A contingent from Bethlehem’s sister city across the sea, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, are coming to Musikfest’s 40th Anniversary along with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem who will perform as part of the Vesper Series at the Central Moravian Church during Musikfest.
Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Germany has five sister cities: Barnsley, United Kingdom; Antibes, France; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Székesfehérvár, Hungary; and Faenza, Italy. Bethlehem has been paired with Schwäbisch Gmünd since 1991. The Mayor of Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Richard Arnold, along with additional delegates will be coming to this year’s Musikfest and attending The Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s performance, taking place on Saturday, August 5 at p.m.
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem was formed and founded by the Moravian Church in 1898. The choir has been attracting thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond. There are 85 dedicated volunteer singers of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. The oldest American Bach Choir gave the first complete American performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 1900 and Christmas Oratorio in 1901. They are performing this year for Musikfest’s 40th Anniversary while also celebrating their own 125th anniversary.
“The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is excited to welcome Mayor Arnold and the delegation from Schwäbisch-Gmünd to Bethlehem with our special Musikfest performance,” Leela Breithaupt, Executive Director of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, said. “Our friends from our German sister city have been such wonderful partners, and we look forward to performing in their magnificent gothic cathedral on our June 2024 European Tour!”
This is a free ticketed event happening as part of our Vesper Concert Series during Musikfest, but tickets will be required. To obtain tickets please visit musikfest.org/event/14828/
In 2022, the seventh Artistic Director and Conductor of the Choir, Dr. Christopher Jackson, was inducted into the choir. The 90 dedicated volunteer singers of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, performing with the Bach Festival Orchestra and distinguished soloist have received international acclaim.
“Our Musikfest concert on August 5 features nationally renowned soprano, Clara Rottsolk, as we perform one Bach’s most heartfelt cantatas, BWV 199, Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut,” Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director and Conductor, said. “The concert closes with Mendelssohn’s “Hear My Prayer”, a dramatic 10-minute gem for Soprano and Chorus, previewing our special Nov. 4 Saint Matthew Passion later this fall.”
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will be touring Europe in June 2024, with performances in both Germany and Austria during their 10-day tour. To purchase tickets and learn more head to bach.org.
“We are so excited to be welcoming our sister city, Schwäbisch-Gmünd, to the 40th edition of Musikfest and show them around during the ‘fest,” Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest said. “The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is a staple, and we are delighted that the delegation from Schwäbisch-Gmünd will enjoy one of their performances as part of their festival and Bethlehem experience.”
About Musikfest
A record-breaking 1,240,000 people attended Musikfest in 2022. The 11-day festival featured over 500 free performances, across 16 stages located throughout the City of Bethlehem. The 40th Musikfest is scheduled for Aug. 4 – 13, 2023, with a special preview night on Aug. 3. This year’s Musikfest 2023 poster artist is Allentown-based family Maltas Con Leche. Visit musikfest.org for more information.
Information provided to TVL by:
Abigail Wolf
http://www.artsquest.org/
