Classical Music Has Its Niche at Musikfest

Bethlehem’s Musikfest is known for its wide variety of music. Classical music has usually been present, but has not held the largest niche among the hundreds of concerts each year.

Moreover, public awareness of the classical concerts offered is likely to be less widespread than for many of the other acts. Classical music is typically performed unamplified. It’s much more rewarding for musicians and audiences alike when the concerts are held indoors. Therefore, those in the know go, but the indoor concerts don’t attract the walk-by attention that the outdoor stages can.

However, with a bit of planning, a classical music lover can easily map out a personal ‘festing schedule that includes a few classical treats —and still have time to stroll the platzes.

Much of the classical music at Musikfest is gathered into two specific series: Vesper Concerts and the Chamber Series. The Vesper Concerts all take place at Central Moravian Church on Main Street, at 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Chamber Series performances all take place in the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church (a separate building, just steps away), at 7:30 p.m., also Monday-Friday.

What could be simpler? Serious fans can go to both concerts in one night and have time for something to eat in between. The Vesper and Chamber lineups this year range from classically classical ensembles (such as string quartets) to groups that branch out in various musical directions (such as Celtic, Gospel and flamenco).

Elsewhere at Musikfest, one can find pockets of classical music that ramp it up a notch. In addition to their appearance in the Vesper Concerts series, Synergy Brass Quintet will demonstrate their “blazing precision” and “exuberant sound” on several occasions on Main Street and at Liederplatz.

Who are our future musicians? Musikfest will showcase area youth who are pursuing music instruction at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts, William Allen High School Chorale, Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers’ Association, and Community Music School. Each afternoon presentation will give numerous students from those institutions the opportunity to perform individually and in groups.

Vesper Concerts, Central Moravian Church, 5 p.m.

• Today - Robin Spielberg, classical (piano)
• Tuesday - Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, folk/Celtic (fiddle, cello)
• Wednesday - Synergy Brass Quintet, classical
• Thursday - The Altino Brothers, classical/Gospel (pianists)
• Friday - The Mendelssohn Trio, classical (violin, cello, piano)

Chamber Series, Old Chapel at Central Moravian Church, 7:30 p.m.

• Today - Phoenix4, classical (string quartet)
• Tuesday - Moravian String Quartet, classical
• Wednesday - Tres Compadres, flamenco ensemble
• Thursday - Seanna Davies, traditional Celtic harp
• Friday - Southside Brass, classical to Dixie

L.V. Charter H.S. for the Performing Arts, Plaza Tropical. Today 3:30 p.m.

Wm. Allen H.S. Chorale, Plaza Tropical, Tuesday Noon

L.V. Chapter - PA Music Teachers’ Association, Plaza Tropical, Tuesday 1:30 p.m.

Community Music School, Plaza Tropical, Wednesday Noon

All concerts mentioned above are free. See performer descriptions and schedules at www.musikfest.org.