The Mission of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, to promote and encourage appreciation of the aesthetic and spiritual value of Bach’s music through education and performance, including performances of works by composers who influenced Bach or were influenced by him, and to strive for the highest standards of musical excellence.

This is the oldest American Bach Choir, performing the first American performances of The Mass in B Minor and The Christmas Oratorio. Since its founding in 1898, the now-famous Choir has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival.

Under Greg Funfgeld’s passionate direction, 100 volunteer members sing not only with traditional Bach Choir dedication and enthusiasm, but also with a new level of musicianship and understanding of Bach’s choral universe. Today’s performances feature the finely-honed vocal ensemble, a fully professional orchestra, and world-renowned soloists. The repertoire includes 133 cantatas, all of the motets, and 15 of Bach’s larger works.

During the past decade The Choir has received critical acclaim for performances at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, the Herkulessaal at Munich’s Royal Residence, The Kennedy Center in Washington, and Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as for its recordings on the Dorian label. The Choir toured the United Kingdom in July, 2003, including a performance for the prestigious BBC Proms in London’s Royal Albert Hall. In May 2007 The Choir celebrated its 100th Festival.