The Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s Christmas concerts will be presented at 8 p.m. Dec. 12, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, Cedar Crest Boulevard and Tilghman Street, Allentown, and 4 p.m. Dec. 13, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center St., Bethlehem.

Greg Funfgeld conducts The Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Bach Festival Orchestra in J.S. Bach’s “Chirstmas Oratorio Parts 1, 2 & 3.” The soloists are Ellen McAteer, soprano; Daniel Taylor, countertenor; Isaiah Bell, tenor, and David Newman, bass-baritone.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem gave the American premiere of Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” in 1901 and recorded the work on the Dorian label in 1999 but has not performed Parts 1, 2 & 3 of the work for more than 10 years.

The first three parts of the ”Christmas Oratorio” include the pastoral sinfonia as we follow the shepherds to Bethlehem, choruses of angels bringing the message of peace, an enchanting lullaby sung to the baby Jesus, and Mary pondering all these things in her heart.

As part of tradition, Funfgeld will invite the audience to join the choir in singing several well-known carols at the conclusion of the program.

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