Christmas in Bethlehem is The Bach Choir of Bethlehem's first recording, and is a favorite among Bach lovers and music lovers alike. A true holiday classic, Christmas in Bethlehem mixes mainstream Christmas favorites with movements from J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Cantata 147, along with other unique selections. This recording is perfect for the lover of Christmas carols - sing along with your favorites, and experience the joy of listening to the lyrics of carols you're hearing for the first time. Other recordings by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem include Christmas in Bethlehem Volumes 2, 3 and 4, the Christmas Oratorio, Christmas in Leipzig, A Child's Christmas in Bethlehem, Bach's Magnificat and Vivaldi's Gloria, the Mass in B Minor, Ascension Oratorio, Saint John Passion, Wachet Auf, and Songs of Hope. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem is the oldest American Bach Choir, and gave the first American performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor and the Christmas Oratorio. Since its founding in 1898, the Choir has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival. Under the direction of conductor Greg Funfgeld since 1983, The Choir’s activities have expanded to a year-round season of 31 concerts and educational programs a year for an audience of more than 20,000; recordings for the Dorian and Analekta labels, films for PBS and Classical Kids, and touring performances including the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany; the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London; Carnegie Hall and Trinity Church Wall St, New York City; and the Kennedy Center and Music Center at Strathmore in the Washington D.C. area.