Nazareth, PA—The Moravian Historical Society is pleased to invite you to a traditional Moravian Singstunde, or singing hour, in the museum. The Singstunde will be sung in both English and German, and will be accompanied by the 1776 Tannenberg Organ!

This Singstunde, or singing hour, will celebrate the Advent and Christmas season. Kyle Johnston, Moravian Music Foundation associate director, will provide the history and introduction to the practice before leading everyone in the traditional Singstunde. Audience members are invited to join in this 300-year-old tradition of making music!

The 1776 Tannenberg Organ is one of nine surviving organs built by renowned Moravian organ builder David Tannenberg. In 1782, it was played for George Washington when he visited Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. One of the best preserved of the nine, it remains in playing condition with all the original pipes, ensuring the sound produced is the same as when Washington listened to it 243 years ago.

Kyle Johnston is a professionally trained vocalist, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, and a lifelong musician. He specializes in early American hymnody and has led workshops at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, traveled and performed internationally, and was the lead organizer for the annual North Carolina Shape Note Convention until its hiatus in 2020. Most recently, Kyle was the Lead Interpreter at the Single Brothers’ House with Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where he could often be found playing the historic 1798 Tannenberg Organ.

Admission to the Singstunde is free. Seating is very limited. Advanced reservations are recommended by visiting www.moravianhistory.org/music-and-lectures.

The Moravian Historical Society’s Museum is open daily from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The third oldest historical society in Pennsylvania, the Moravian Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization that shares the fascinating Moravian contributions to worldwide culture through educational programs, guided tours, museum exhibits, and public activities.