Auditions Now Held Year-Round!

Please check this page for updates and email Dr. Christopher Jackson to schedule your audition: cjackson@bach.org

Celebrating our 125th Anniversary Season!

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is the oldest Bach Choir in the United States, and gave the first American performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor and the Christmas Oratorio. Since its founding in 1898, The Choir has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival.

 

Our Choir members love music – and come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some of them are in their 20’s … a few are in their 70’s and the rest are in between! Their lifestyles, professions and activities may differ but their musical connections are identical: a commitment to hard work and excellence – to deliver a season of glorious music to our audiences.

 

Audition for Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director and Conductor
The audition consists of each singer performing one or two songs or arias of contrasting nature (your choice), some vocalization, and sight-reading.  An accompanist is provided.  If you have any questions about the audition process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We highly encourage you to sign up!

2023-2024 Season:
During this upcoming season, the Choir will perform at the following concerts: Gala World Premiere Concert | Christmas (2) | Family Concert | Spring Concert | 116th Bethlehem Bach Festival (2 weekends)
Choir members also have the option to perform at our weekday Bach at Noon Concerts, held ten times a year in Bethlehem and Allentown, and at our Bach to School assemblies, presented during the academic year at schools in our region.

Auditions take place at The Choir’s office in Historic Downtown Bethlehem:

Heckewelder House
440 Heckewelder Place
Bethlehem, PA 18018

Rehearsal Schedule:
Choir rehearsals take place on Monday evenings throughout the season at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.
Complete season rehearsal schedule will be available at your audition.

Choral Scholars Program

Choral Scholars Program:

High School vocalists are encouraged to audition for our Choral Scholars program. High school seniors who would like to join us as Choral Scholars for the coming season will have an amazing year of musical training and an unforgettable experience. The audition for the Choral Scholars is the same as the adult choir.

** NEW!** Collegiate Choral Scholars – we are especially excited to welcome college students to audition for The Choir.  The connections our singers make with professional musicians, music educators, and local choir members are truly life-changing. Those looking for a unique musical experience or to help prepare themselves to enter the world of professional music as a performer, conductor, or educator should strongly consider auditioning. Contact Dr. Christopher Jackson for more information. cjackson@bach.org

PRINT Choral Scholars flyer

Zimmermann's Coffee House

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem invites you to audition for Zimmermann’s Coffee House at the 116th Bethlehem Bach Festival, May 2024. Modeled after Zimmermann’s Coffee House of Bach’s time in Leipzig, Germany, selected students will perform Baroque and Classical era music in a relaxing and inviting environment.

Build your resume, hone your performance skills, and share the stage with Bach Festival musicians! This year’s judges are Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director & Conductor of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Larry Lipkis, Professor of Music at Moravian University.

To schedule an audition, please call or email Lindsay Liiro at 610-866-4382 ext. 110 or email at lliiro@bach.org.

Audition Dates:

  • Sunday, March 3, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • The Bach Choir of Bethlehem Office, 440 Heckewelder Pl, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  • Sunday, March 10, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Peter Hall, Moravian University, 348 Main st, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Requirements:

  • Baroque and Classical era music for solo instruments, voices , or ensembles. We encourage a variety of 17th and 18th century music, including music from generations of Bach’s sons.
  • Please prepare 4-6 minutes of music.
  • If your audition selection requires an accompanist, one can be provided.
  • Letter of Recommendation from your teacher.

Dress Rehearsal Schedule:

  • Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Peter Hall, Moravian University, 348 Main st, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Performance Schedule:

  • Saturday, May 11, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Peter Hall, Moravian University, 348 Main st, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  • Saturday, May 18, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Peter Hall, Moravian University, 348 Main st, Bethlehem, PA 18018