On November 4, 2023, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem will present the premiere performance and recording of the first published scholarly edition of Felix Mendelssohn’s interpretation of Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” as part of its Gala 2023 Concert.

The concert will feature The Bach Choir, Bach Festival Orchestra, Bel Canto Youth Chorus, and guest soloists. The project is the culmination of over five years of research by acclaimed musicologist Malcolm Bruno. In September, the composition will be published by Barenreiter Publishing, with the CD recording available for purchase in 2024.

“The young Mendelssohn was gifted a copy of the passion when he was 15 years old and promptly set about finding a way to bring the piece to life. It is largely due to Mendelssohn that Bach was re-discovered in Germany and returned to occupy his incredible place in history. Now we have the chance to perform and record this brand-new scholarly edition and, in Malcolm’s words, ‘There is no better choir for this project than The Bach Choir of Bethlehem.’”

A reception and dinner for benefactors will follow the concert, to be held at Saucon Valley Country Club. Further information about the event and ticketing will be announced later in their season.