The internationally-renowned Bach Choir of Bethlehem presents two performances of its Christmas concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman St., Allentown, and 4 p.m. Dec. 7, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center St., Bethlehem.

Bach Choir artistic director Greg Funfgeld conducts The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Bach Festival Orchestra, and soloists Ellen McAteer, soprano; Daniel Taylor, countertenor; Isaiah Bell, tenor, in his debut with the Bach Choir, and Joshua Copeland, bass-baritone.

This year's concert theme is "My soul doth magnify the Lord." In his program notes for the concert, Dr. Robin Leaver states, "Mary's song, that begins 'My soul doth magnify the Lord,' is at the center of the music you will hear today, music that explores the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation."

Each concert opens with Bach's "Cantata 147," including the famous chorale "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring," and closes with the "Magnificat" of J.S. Bach's most famous son, C.P.E. Bach in honor of the 300th anniversary of his birth.

"The 'Magnificat' is the song that Mary sang after the Angel Gabriel told her that she would bear a child who would be the son of God," says Funfgeld in a phone interview.

"We forget that Mary was only a young woman, probably in her early teens. It's a fascinating story, and she was an endlessly fascinating person. In my opinion, her story is often underappreciated."

The choir is featured in a selection of pieces in praise of Mary, ranging from the 6th century setting of "Ave Maria" by English composer Robert Parsons, a five-part motet; to Stanford's 20th century, "Magnificat in G major," with a soaring soprano solo; and the a capella "Mary Speaks" by contemporary American composer Daniel Gawthrop, composed for women's voices and set to a text by novelist Madeleine L'Engle.

The audience may join The Choir in singing several well-known carols at the conclusion of the program.

The Bach Choir, which aims to promote and encourage the appreciation of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, was founded in 1898. For more than 100 years, the choir has performed both locally and internationally, spreading the joy of Bach's music.

Funfgeld, in his 31st season as artistic director and conductor of the Bach Choir, says, "I am the Bach Choir's sixth artistic director. The choir has been part of Bethlehem's history since 1898 and Bach's music has been heard here in the Valley since 1823. Such an eternal institution is impressive in today's world."

The Bach Choir members come to perform in Bethlehem from throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

"We have an amazing group of singers," says Funfgeld. "We are all passionate about music. We are proud to have an ongoing connection with the Lehigh Valley that crosses the decades."

Tickets: bach.org, 610-866-4382, ext. 15 or 10