“Forty years ago, I envisioned a chorale that would devote itself to the singing of choral works by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel,” says Randall Douglas Perry, Conductor and Executive Director of The Bach and Handel Chorale.

“Our members thirst to learn and sing the music of Bach, Handel and other masters in the way that the composers intended their music to be performed using a professional orchestra,” Perry says.

The Bach and Handel Chorale presents a “40th Anniversary Gala Concert with Festival Orchestra,” 3 p.m. June 7, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe.

While works by Bach and Handel feature prominently, the concert includes works by composers Andreas Hammerschmidt, Randall Thompson and Chorale Director Perry.

With more than 400 known works, Bohemian German composer and organist Andreas Hammerschmidt was one of the most significant composers of sacred music during the 17th century. His cantata “Heilig ist der Herr” incorporates the traditional Sanctus (Isaiah 6:3) and a Doxology from Martin Luther’s text of Psalm 67.

Initially commissioned as a joyous fanfare, but in consideration of events unfolding in World War II Europe, American composer Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” is an introspective prayer with a capella repetitive text “Alleluia” and a final “Amen.”

The Chorale performs the “Qui Tollis” from Director Perry’s “Mass in D minor” composed in celebration of the Chorale’s 20th anniversary in 2004.

Selections by Johann Sebastian Bach include movements from: Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068; Mass in G Major, BWV 236; Mass in B Minor, BWV 232; Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, and Cantatas 61, 118, 129 and 172.

Works by George Frideric Handel include movements from: Messiah, HWV 56; Samson, HWV 57; This is the day which the Lord has made, HWV 262; Dettingen Te Deum, HWV 283, and Organ Concerto No. 5, HWV 293.

Says Perry, “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bach and Handel Chorale, it seems inconceivable that this group has survived in our particular cultural atmosphere for such a long time. I am thankful and have been blessed to conduct this group for 40 years.”

The Bach and Handel Chorale, “40th Anniversary Gala Concert with Festival Orchestra,” 3 p.m. June 7, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 526 North St., Jim Thorpe; Tickets: 570-325-4794; https://bhchorale.org/tickets.html

“The Municipal Band of Allentown has been entertaining Lehigh Valley audiences since 1923 and we look forward to another great season of summer concerts,” says John Middlecamp, Municipal Band of Allentown Past President.

The Municipal Band of Allentown presents “Women’s Appreciation Concert,” 7:30 p.m. June 15, West Park, Allentown.

The concert opens with “Reflections of One’s Self,” a new work by band tubaist and composer Alexis Rounds. A recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Rounds says, “The piece is an internal reflection of myself using contemporary techniques that I find fun and exciting to use.”

The concert includes Robert Louden’s arrangement of Carly Simon songs; Bill Holcombe’s “Tribute to Judy Garland”; and John Cacavas’ arrangements of Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s “My Fair Lady,” and highlights from the Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly.”

In 1910, Claude Debussy penned his classic “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” and 19 years later John Philip Sousa wrote “Daughters of Texas” for 1,700 female students then attending Texas Woman’s University.

The program continues with Louis Saverino’s “March of the Women Marines,” which was a last-minute request for a parade march recognizing the U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve.

The concert concludes with Warren Barker’s arrangement of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s “Blue Moon” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Municipal Band of Allentown, “Women’s Appreciation Concert,” 7:30 p.m. June 15, West Park, 16th and Linden streets, Allentown. Inclement weather location: Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm St., Allentown; Tickets not required. Free. Information: https://municipalband.org/

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