1942

Gretchen Wolle presents Bach editions, used by her father, to Lehigh University. A plaque honoring J. Fred Wolle is placed in Packer Memorial Church.

1943

Saturday morning concerts are added to the festivals.
Dr. William Estes, Jr. is elected 6^th President of The Bethlehem Bach Choir.

1947

An estimated 9,200 people attend a performance of The Mass in B Minor (BWV 232) at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. Ifor Jones conducts The Bethlehem Bach Choir and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

1948

The Bethlehem Bach Choir records Cantata BWV 78 for Victor Records.

1949

A second weekend is added to the Bach Festival.

1957

The 50^th Bach Festival is held. Ifor Jones opens the Thursday evening rehearsal to the community.

1959

The Bach Festival Orchestra premieres at the May Festival, replacing the Philadelphia Orchestra.

1961

Elmer L. Mack becomes the 7^th Choir President.

1962

The 55^th Bach Festival is dedicated to Albert Schweitzer, with a letter from Schweitzer printed in the program.

1965

The Bethlehem Bach Choir is invited to sing at the International Choral Festival in October, commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the Handel and Haydn Society in Symphony Hall, Boston.
Charles H. Wiekel is elected 8^th President of The Choir.

1969

The Hon. Carleton T. Woodring becomes The Choir's 9^th President.
Alfred Mann, Professor of Music at Rutgers University and Editor of The American Choral Review, becomes the 4^th Conductor of The Choir.

Links to other Sites

Bach Choir of Bethlehen: About the Choir