The classical music calendar features two patriotic concerts by the Allentown Band in recognition of “Flag Day” and The Bach Choir of Bethlehem presented “Let Freedom Sing,” celebrating America’s 250th birthday, at Coca-Cola Park, Allentown.

The Allentown Band presents “Veterans Salute and Flag Day Concert,” 1:30 p.m. June 6, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Bethlehem.

“The Allentown Band is honored to be returning for the 19th year to perform Embassy Bank’s annual concert honoring veterans and Flag Day,” says Ronald Demkee, Allentown Band Conductor.

The concert presents music to recognize American participation in military conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War: “Yankee Doodle Variations,” by Morton Gould; American Civil War: “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” arranged by Peter Wilhousky, and World War II: “Victory at Sea,” by Robert Russell Bennett, and “Midway March,” by John Williams.

There are songs to honor those who served or are serving in the United States military, such as the “Armed Forces Salute,” and marches that reflect the pride and patriotic spirit which characterize America, including Henry Filmore’s “Americans We,” E.E. Bagley’s “National Emblem March” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Says Demkee, “It’s always inspiring to see the community gather together in such a positive way, especially so on this, the 250th anniversary year celebrating America.”

“Veterans Salute and Flag Day Concert,” Allentown Band, 1:30 p.m. June 6, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Free. Information: https://allentownband.com/event/veterans-salute-and-flag-day/

The Allentown Band presents its “Annual Flag Day Concert, 3 p.m. June 14, Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown.

“The Allentown Flag Day Association (AFDA) celebrates its 119th year and is proud to be the oldest incorporated Flag Day Association in the United States,” says Ann Wertman, Secretary-Treasurer, Allentown Flag Day Association.

“And 2026 marks the band’s 109th year playing for the AFDA’s annual Flag Day program,” adds Ronald Demkee, Allentown Band Conductor.

The Allentown Band opens the event with the prelude selections, “Americans We,” “Concord Overture” and “National Emblem March.”

Master of Ceremonies Major General Gerald Still (Retired) will provide opening remarks.

Robert Sedlock will perform the bugle call followed by the entrance of the color guard from VFW Post 7293, Egypt, Whitehall Township.

The invocation will be given by the Rev. Jane Matsinger of St. James United Church of Christ, Allentown.

Vocal soloist Evelyn Stewart will lead the recitation of “The Pledge of Allegiance” and the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

After the playing of TAPS for the retirement of the Colors, the Allentown Band will perform George M. Cohan’s “You’re a Grand Old Flag” followed by recognition of special guests and a speech by David B. Binder, U.S. Navy (1963-1967).

Next, winners of the “Middle School Essay Contest” will be announced.

The event closes with Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” an “Armed Forces Salute” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” enhanced with a vintage Romper Day Flag Drill.

Petty Officer Second Class David Binder is a two-tour combat veteran of the Vietnam War in which he served as a Watercraft Inspection Team Member, a .50 caliber machine gunner and a Swift Boat crew member.

Along with Binder’s combat duties, he was the leading Electronic Technician responsible for maintenance and repair of the ship’s three radars, IFF, Lora and electronic systems.

Binder served in the Navy from 1963 through 1967 and in Vietnam during 1965, 1966 and 1967.

He received the Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Campaign Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Naval Service Medal.

“Annual Flag Day Concert, Allentown Band, 3 p.m. June 14, Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 Hamilton St., Allentown. Free will offering. Information: https://allentownband.com/

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

Expected were thousands of singers from adult, community and school choirs in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties.

The concert was headlined by the Bach Choir, conducted by Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director Dr. Christopher Jackson.

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

The Bethlehem Bach Choir “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/

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