Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was established in 1741 as a Moravian settlement. Its historic community forms part of the transnational Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage property, alongside Christiansfeld, Herrnhut and Gracehill. The surviving buildings and urban layout reflect a religious community whose organisation connected worship, shared housing and everyday work. Bethlehem joined the expanded UNESCO property in 2024.

Music has a prominent place in the city's cultural history. Founded in 1898, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem gave the first complete American performances of Bach's Mass in B minor in 1900 and Christmas Oratorio in 1901. Its annual festival, performances with the Bach Festival Orchestra and educational programmes continue that tradition. Together, the historic settlement and the choir connect the city's local institutions with a wider international religious and musical heritage.