THU MAY 8
Outside the Bachs | Fire & Grace + Fanny Ara
7PM
Location: Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University
Outside the Bachs pushes the boundaries of Bach’s influence on our modern interconnected world! Fire & Grace is an eclectic collaboration between guitarist William Coulter and violinist Edwin Huizinga. This unique duo explores the connective musical elements of classical, folk, and contemporary traditions from around the world. Colorful and creative Flamenco dancer Fanny Ara joins Fire & Grace for this interdisciplinary, gorgeous program. Don’t this miss the piece de resistance, a large pastiche work that melds Bach with traditional Galician and Iberian tunes, plus an arrangement by de Falla. Enjoy this special Outside the Bachs program where Bach is the through line to transport you to the worlds of Gaelic folk, Iberia, and Flamenco.
FRI MAY 9
Bach at 4
4pm
Location: Incarnation of Our Lord Church, Thomas & Buchanan Streets
Join Festival Artist-in-Residence Rechell Ellen Wong and concert master Elizabeth Field as we journey into the world of virtuosic string playing at the acoustically exquisite Incarnation of Our Lord Church. Audiences will hear solo and chamber works by violin virtuosi Heinrich Biber, Maddalena Sirmen, and J.S. Bach. Our exceptional vocal soloists, the Bach Choir, and principal strings unite to blend dazzling string compositions with the beauty of the human voice.
Bach at 8
8pm
Location: Packer Memorial Chapel
Immerse yourself in the exceptional power of the Bach Festival Orchestra, the Bach Choir, soloists, and the Artist-in-Residence as they join forces for this thrilling performance. The program opens with the rousing cantata In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97, (In All That I Do), which begins with a festival chorale movement and features fiery arias. Bach’s dramatic Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043, forms the concert’s core, leading to the finale of Ode for the Birthday to Queen Anne, a celebratory work from Handel.
SAT MAY 10
Ifor Jones Memorial Chamber Music Concert
10:30am
Location: Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center
Few in music history could claim the titles of composer, conductor, and virtuoso performer – let alone knight and world-class fencer. The Chevalier de Saint Georges, famed for his extraordinary skill, joined King Louis XVI’s Royal Guard after besting a fencing master at the age of 16. His agility with the sword mirrored his brilliance on the violin and in composition. Experience his thrilling Violin Concerto in G (Op. 8, No. 9) with the Bach Festival Orchestra and Rachell Ellen Wong, alongside Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and the evocative “Devil’s Trill Sonata.”
Mass in B Minor
Part 1 – 2:30pm | Part 2 – 4:30pm
Location: Packer Memorial Church
With grateful hearts, the Choir has offered Bach’s magnificent Mass in B Minor for more than a century. It’s more than a treasured tradition – some reconnect each year with old friends; others feel transported by the music for the first time as it fills Packer Memorial Church. Join us as we share this monumental composition with our community that gathers from around the world.
Zimmerman’s Coffee House
7pm
Location: Peter Hall, Moravian University
While living in Leipzig, Bach and his contemporaries would perform at Zimmerman’s Coffee House. Attendees to this event in the intimate Peter Hall will enjoy Baroque chamber music performed by talented young musicians chosen by audition. Plan to join us for a uniquely casual and fun experience that interweaves history, culture, and music in perfect harmony! Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Seating is cafe style.
This event has sold out.
SUN MAY 11
Chamber Music in the Saal
11am
Location: Saal of the Moravian Museum, Church Street
This delightful concert features the exceptional Andrew Gonzalez, praised by The Strad magazine for his “warm-hearted playing and mellow tone.” Gonzalez will perform on the rare violoncello da spalla, a five-stringed mini cello played on the shoulder, and an instrument that many believe Bach had in mind while writing many of his most virtuosic cello works.
Cantata in Context
2:30pm
Location: Central Moravian Church, Main Street
Join us at Central Moravian Church for Cantata in Context, an enriching exploration of Bach’s cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140. Dr. Daniel R. Melamed, Barnette Distinguished Scholar Lecturer, unpacks its historical and musical intricacies. Hear the cantata performed twice – before and after Melamed’s lecture – gaining a deeper understanding and fresh perspective on Bach’s composition.
