Testament of Freedom

In a landmark collaboration for America’s Semiquincentennial, two of the Lehigh Valley’s most storied musical institutions – the Allentown Band, under the direction of Ron Demkee, and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, under the direction of Conductor Christopher Jackson, join forces for a powerful musical tribute to freedom, heritage, and service.

Featuring Randall Thompson’s stirring The Testament to Freedom, inspired by the words of Thomas Jefferson and other significant American texts, the program also includes selections from Bethlehem’s Moravian musical tradition – curated by the Moravian Music Foundation – which anchor the concert in the Lehigh Valley’s own rich musical legacy. Presented outdoors at the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks, this program invites audiences to rejoice in the music that gives voice to the American spirit as the Bach Choir closes out its 118th Festival.

Free performance, no tickets required!

Rain Site: ArtsQuest Cafe

This performance is just one event in the 2026 Bethlehem Bach Festival. Learn more: 2026 Bach Festival

The BACH CHOIR OF BETHLEHEM
Christopher Jackson, Conductor
The ALLENTOWN BAND
Ronald Demkee, Conductor

AMERICA 250

Let Freedom Ring / Ryan Nowlin
The Allentown Band

*A Testament of Freedom / Randall Thompson
1. The God who gave us life
2. We have counted the cost
3. We fight not for glory
4. I shall not die without a hope
*with Bach Choir, Christopher Jackson, conducting

Yankee Doodle / Morton Gould

*Eternal Father Strong to Save / Claude T. Smith

*Hymn to the Fallen from “Saving Private Ryan” / John Williams

*Salute to the Armed Forces / Richard Hayman, arr. Steve Reisteter

*Stars and Stripes Forever / John Philip Sousa

*with Bach Choir