Published June 18. 2022 01:26AM
The 114th Bethlehem Bach Festival was the final festival for Greg Funfgeld as Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director and Conductor.
Funfgeld is retiring after conducting the two-weekend 2022 festival.
In honor of his 39-year tenure leading the United States’ longest-running Bach Choir, Funfgeld was named Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus. It is the first such title given by The Choir.
The honor was bestowed on Funfgeld at the May 14 concert of J.S. Bach’s “Mass in B Minor” in Packer Memorial Church, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, by Bach Choir of Bethlehem Board of Directors President Harold G. Black and Bach Choir of Bethlehem Executive Director Leela Breithaupt.
A presentation was also made to Funfgeld at the May 21 “Mass in B Minor” concert.
Giving remarks at both presentations was The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, Senior Pastor, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem.
“We thank you for your service,” said Clennon to Funfgeld.
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem announced May 25 the appointment of Dr. Christopher Jackson as the seventh Artistic Director and Conductor in The Choir’s 125-year history.
Dr. Jackson begins his tenure following the June 30 retirement of Funfgeld. Jackson will leave his position as Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Muhlenberg College, Allentown.
PRESS PHOTOS BY PAUL WILLISTEIN Greg Funfgeld, Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus, right, is lauded May 14 by The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, Senior Pastor, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, center. Looking on is Bach Choir of Bethlehem Executive Director Leela Breithaupt, left.
Bethlehem Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus, left; soloists; Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and Festival Orchestra acknowledge accolades at 114th Bethlehem Bach Festival, May 14, Packer Memorial Church, Lehigh University.
