Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem has been recognized as a National Landmark of Music. On Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m. it will host ‘A Musical Christmas Extravaganza’ featuring the Mainstreet Brass, the Central Moravian Church Choir and others. (FILE PHOTO)
Musicians from Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem will present “A Musical Christmas Extravaganza” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the church sanctuary.
Featuring secular and sacred music of the season, as well as traditional Moravian Christmas music, the concert will include the Mainstreet Brass, ensemble in residence at the church, the Central Moravian Church Choir, and organ selections performed by Rebecca Lepore, director of music and organist at Central Moravian Church.
Each guest will leave with a piece of Moravian sugar cake and a red-trimmed beeswax candle, two staples of the Moravian Christmas experience. Tickets, $15, are available in the church office, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, and at the door on the day of the concert. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of Central Moravian Church.
Central Moravian Church, founded in 1742, is Bethlehem’s first congregation and the oldest Moravian Church in North America. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and traditions, the congregation today joins together to experience God’s love in a caring, respectful and inclusive atmosphere. Central Moravian Church emphasizes Christian faith, hope and love.
With a rich, living musical tradition, Central Moravian Church presents a full schedule of concerts annually. Early American Moravians had a close connection to their European roots and sought and performed contemporary music being composed in Europe. Haydn’s “The Creation” was performed for the first time in the United States in the sanctuary of Central Moravian Church in 1811, and the first complete performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor was presented at Central in 1900, thus giving Central Moravian Church status as a National Landmark of Music.