Leela Breithaupt

Leela Breithaupt is the Executive Director of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, leading this historic choir into a new era of growth, innovation, and global impact. Under her leadership, the Choir celebrated its 125th anniversary with a European tour, including performances at Bachfest Leipzig and other cultural sites, reinforcing its role as a bridge between U.S. and German communities. The Choir’s recent album, named a top album of the year by The Times of London, elevated its profile on the international stage.

A key driver of the Choir’s five-year strategic plan, Leela has prioritized sustainable growth, digital innovation, and community partnerships. Her initiatives include livestreaming the Bach Choir’s Singstunde from Herrnhut, Germany, to Bethlehem on the eve of the transnational UNESCO World Heritage designation and launching a newly reformatted four-day Bach Festival in 2025 to increase accessibility. She has also expanded educational programs and forged deeper partnerships with local institutions like the historic Moravian Church.

With an MBA from Indiana University and advanced degrees in flute performance, Leela combines her expertise as an internationally recognized musician and nonprofit executive to position the Bach Choir as a vibrant cultural force in Bethlehem and a respected player on the global choral stage.