One might reasonably wonder: Why Bach in Bethlehem?

In a word: Moravians.

The 118th Bethlehem Bach Festival explored Moravian roots in performance and lecture.

Dr. Sarah Eyerly presented the Barnette Distinguished Scholar Lecture at 2 p.m. May 8, Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem.

The topic: “Sounding Bach: Reflections on 250 Years of Music in Bethlehem.”

The lecture was based on a book Eyerly authored: “Moravian Soundscapes: A Sonic History of the Moravian Missions in Early Pennsylvania” (Indiana University Press, 2020). The book reconstructs the communal and environmental soundscapes of 18th-century Moravian settlements.

The book received the Music In American Culture Award from the American Musicological Society and the Dale W. Brown Book Award from the Young Center for Pietist and Anabaptist Studies at Elizabethtown College.

Eyerly is a consultant with the Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage at Moravian University and Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites to design sensory presentations for the Moravian Church Settlements - World Heritage site.

Eyerly’s lecture provided a seedbed of scholarship for the 2026 Bach Festival, especially the “Bach at 4” concert, 4 p.m. May 8, Incarnation of Our Lord Church, Bethlehem.

Synnet, Festival Artist-in-Residence, provided the sonic insight. Succinct, fascinating and frequently humorous introductions to the performances were presented before each piece by Dr. Christopher Jackson, Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director and conductor.

Jackson must be credited for organizing the May 7-10, 2026, festival theme of Moravian music, performance practices of Bach and the masters of classical music, and the founding of the Bach Choir. The approach was particular pertinent for the “America250” celebration.

After a “Bach Chorale Sing” by choir and audience, the 4 p.m. May 8 program, conducted by Jackson, included:

- Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach (1732 - 1795), “Trio Sonata in F Major, W. VII:3, B. 12.” This was a flawless, spectacular performance with subtle flourishes by Elizabeth Field, Linda Kistler, violins; Loretta O’Sullivan, cello, and Charlotte Mattax Moersch, harpsichord.

- Cruse (unknown composer from the Moravian Archives), “Trombone Sonata No. 1 in G Major,” performed by Synnet: Patrick O’Connell, cornetto; Barry Bocaner, alto trombone; Michael Holmes, tenor trombone, and David Searle, bass trombone.

- Giovanni Gabrieli (1553-6 -1612), “Canzon III,” a4, Ch. 188, played by Synnet

- Johann Rosenmüller (1619 - 1684), “O dulcis Christe, bone Jesu, Charitas,” with Synnet; Sherezade Panthaki, soprano; Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano; Loretta O’Sullivan, cello, and Daniel McDougall, bass.

- Johann Michael Bach (1648 - 1694), “Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe”: Sherezade Panthaki, soprano; Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano; James Reese, tenor; Edmund Milly, bass-baritone; Elizabeth Field, Linda Kistler, violins; Nina Falk, viola; Loretta O’Sullivan, cello; Daniel McDougall, bass, and Charlotte Mattax Moersch, harpsichord

- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750), “ Motet O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht,” BWV 118: Elizabeth Field, Linda Kistler, violins; Nina Falk, viola; Loretta O’Sullivan, cello; Daniel McDougall, bass; Nobuo Kitagawa, Lynne Cohen, oboes; Charlotte Mattax Moersch, harpsichord, and Synnet

- Heinrich Schütz (1585 -1672). “Mein Sohn, warum hast duuns das getan?,” Symphoniae Sacrae III, SWV 401: Sherezade Panthaki, soprano; Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano; Edmund Milly, bass-baritone; Elizabeth Field, Linda Kistler, violins; Loretta O’Sullivan, cello; Daniel McDougall, bass; Charlotte Mattax Moersch, organ; Synnet, and the Bethlehem Bach Choir.

“Let Freedom Sing,” 7 p.m. May 27, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is presenting “Let Freedom Sing,” celebrating America’s 250th birthday, 7 p.m. May 27, Coca-Cola Park, Allentown.

There will be more than 5,000 singers from adult, community and school choirs in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties.

The concert is headlined by the Bach Choir, led by conductor Dr. Christopher Jackson.

The finale is a community sing-along with a fireworks display.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

“Bach at Noon,” June 9, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Allentown

The “Bach at Noon” series resumes noon June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 37 S. Fifth St., Allentown.

Information: https://bach.org/