How is the Festival organized for 2021?
The Festival Planning Committee and MMF Board and Staff did not see a safe way to bring a large group of singers and instrumentalists together for an extended period in 2021, sharing meals and housing, and attending worship, rehearsals, concerts, lectures, etc.
Therefore, the Committee is offering a creative and innovative Festival experience that will share and celebrate Moravian music through online platforms, such as the Festival website, Zoom conferencing, YouTube, and Facebook; and to use the technology available to keep us socially connected, while physically distant.
New opportunities arise from this situation, enabling those less mobile and many around the world to participate in the Festival, and we are excited about that. Our goal is to remove the usual barriers of time and expense, and hope that many more musicians may attend.
Will we ever get to sing and play the music, together?
During 2021, all singing and playing together will be done by virtual ensemble, i.e., each participant may record their part and submit it to be edited along with others to create one large virtual band and one virtual chorus.
Groups, bands, choirs are invited to submit a recording/video to be included in the evening concert offerings or preludes.
The Festival Planning Committee is planning a live, in-person (albeit, shorter) Festival in Bethlehem in July of 2022. More information to follow. During that Festival, we will continue to rehearse and perform the music we learned in 2021.
How does one register?
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Registration is quite affordable, and will allow you to participate in all social activities and music events, including virtual choirs/bands, lectures, workshops, round tables, etc.
Registration will be online at the following link (not yet active):
Daily devotions, preludes and concerts will be open to public viewing over YouTube.
Daily sessions, webinars, panels, roundtables, social hours, games, and the virtual chorus and band projects require registration to participate.
The Children and Youth programs, and the ACTS musical require pre-registration to participate.
What can I expect in the months prior to Festival week?
Some activities will occur prior to the Festival week.
We may be recording tracks and sending them by email for certain ensemble videos that will be edited and presented at Festival.
What can I expect at check-in?
Unlike a regular Festival, 2021 will provide your links to activities by email and in a password-protected area of the Festival website. You will click the link to join or watch each event on your computer or other device.
Will I receive anything in the mail?
We hope to be able to mail out real sheet music for your various participations. Also, t-shirts and other goodies will arrive by mail.
How will I connect to my seminar or watch a concert?
Registrants will receive a password to access content on the Festival Website. Use your password to access an information page, which will contain all the links for that day.
For concerts, you will go to the “Calendar” or the “Audience” page to find the links for all the public concerts and services.
What is the plan for dining this week?
What will the weather be?
What do I need to bring with me?
What do I wear for Festival Concerts?
What do I wear for daily activities at the Festival?
If I am driving to the Festival, how do I get there and where do I park?
All meals are on your own.
Festival weather will be your local weather for July.
Won’t it be nice to not have to pack, or drive, or fly?
There may be special requests for attire for certain recorded concert videos.
Casual clothing!
You don’t have to worry about directions or about parking! You will be connected by internet from your home or office.
