History of Moravian Music
When the Moravians settled Bethlehem in 1742, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf carefully selected the inhabitants based on skills that would support the new community’s missionary work. Consequently, many of the village’s early leaders, artisans, and laborers were also accomplished musicians.
By 1746, Bethlehem had installed its first pipe organ, and a small orchestra was founded just two years later. In 1754, a complete set of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass trombones arrived from Europe, marking the birth of the Moravian Trombone Choir. Today, this historic ensemble still performs regularly, playing hymn chorales from the belfry of Central Moravian Church at least once a month. Another enduring tradition is the Singstunde, or song service, introduced by Zinzendorf. In these services, the pastor would weave a sermon together by singing various hymns. This required organists to memorize at least 400 hymns so they could instantly play along in whatever key the pastor chose to sing.
Because early American Moravians maintained close ties to Europe, they had access to the continent’s most celebrated contemporary compositions. As a result, Central Moravian Church hosted the U.S. premiere of Joseph Haydn’s “The Creation” in 1811, as well as the first complete American performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 1900. These historic performances helped establish the church’s status as a National Landmark of Music.
For more information about Moravian music history, visit the Moravian Music Foundation website at moravianmusic.org.
Choirs
Central Moravian Church Choir
For more than 250 years, the Central Moravian Church Choir has built a reputation for glorifying God through classical, sacred, and uniquely Moravian choral music. Steeped in a rich heritage, this non-audition choir is composed mostly of volunteers who sing for Sunday morning worship, special services, and concerts. Over the years, the choir has also released several recordings and traveled to Moravian sites worldwide to share its music ministry.
Chapel Choir
Organized in spring 2004, the Chapel Choir provides choral music once or twice a month for the 9 am worship service held in the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church. The all-volunteer choir, 18 voices strong, is directed by Richard Miller, our Old Chapel organist. In addition, small ensembles, soloists, and a men’s and women’s chorus, drawn from the Chapel Choir members, provide music for the 9 am service. For more information, contact Richard Miller 610-866-5661.
Ensembles
Central Brass Ensemble
Continuing a rich tradition of instrumental music in worship, this spirited group includes brass players of all ages—both members and friends of the congregation. They perform chorales, hymn accompaniments, and majestic organ postludes in the Sanctuary, as well as occasional community events in Historic Bethlehem. To join, contact Director Caitlin Heckman.
Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir
Founded in 1754, this group of Lehigh Valley trombonists is the oldest continuously playing brass ensemble in America. Directed by Caitlin Heckman, they perform for worship and memorial services throughout the year.
Church Organs at Central
Sanctuary Organ
- 1954 Möller Opus 8650
- Restored in 2007 by Emery Brothers with digital enhancements by the Walker Technical Company.
- Three manuals, 109 ranks, 3057 pipes
- Specifications for the Sanctuary organ
Old Chapel Organ
- 2013 Emery Brothers
- Digitally reproduced Aeolian-Skinner, Voices by Walker
- Three manuals, three ranks of pipes, 46 ranks of Walker digital stops
Kleiner Saal Organ
- 1857 Erben
- One manual, six ranks
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