The Bach Festival Orchestra

Classical Ensemble Specializing in Bach Performances

The Bach Festival Orchestra is a renowned ensemble that specializes in performing the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. It is often associated with the Bethlehem Bach Festival, which takes place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has been a tradition since 1900. The orchestra is composed of professional musicians who are dedicated to historically informed performances, which means they strive to play the music as authentically as possible, often using period instruments and techniques. The ensemble's repertoire includes many of Bach's masterpieces, such as his Mass in B Minor and the St. John Passion, both of which are cornerstones of Baroque choral-orchestral literature. The Bach Festival Orchestra has contributed significantly to the appreciation and understanding of Bach's music through its performances and recordings.