The critically-acclaimed Susquehanna Chorale and three of its educational choirs will present the annual Youth Choral Festival on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Messiah University, 600 University Ave., Mechanicsburg. The public is invited to attend. This inspiring intergenerational event kicks off the Susquehanna Chorale’s concert season, featuring the Susquehanna Children’s, Youth, and Young Women’s Chorales, as well as the Susquehanna Chorale.
The concert opens with Pergolesi’s Glory to God in the Highest, performed by the 50 voices of the Children’s Chorale, under the direction of Judith Shepler. The young singers will explore the culture of other lands through folk songs, including one sung in French and one in the Nigerian language, Yoruba. Pinkzebra’s gorgeous Fly Away Home offers lyrics about exploring the world and pursuing our dreams, while still holding fast to what represents home for each of us.
The twenty balanced and blended voices of the Young Women’s Chorale, directed by Mitchell Sensenig-Wilshire, will present Elaine Hagenberg’s You Do Not Walk Alone, Jake Runestad’s stirring Rise Up, and What Happens When a Woman by Artemisia which conveys a powerful story accentuated with body percussion.
Dru Deitch has chosen repertoire for her 30-member Youth Chorale that explores the dichotomy of darkness and light, of turmoil versus peace. Featured pieces include Nox from Elaine Hagenberg’s larger work, “Illuminare”, along with Fire from Katarina Gimon’s “Elements”. The rousing gospel tune, True Light, by Keith Hampton rounds out a program that shares a message of hope overcoming adversity. The program concludes with an important and timeless message for all of us, as the combined choirs perform the powerful and moving Anthem of Peace by Mack Wilberg.
Students are chosen by audition, and rehearse each fall for about 10 weeks in preparation for this concert. They are taught sight-singing, vocal technique, and expressivity through a challenging repertoire representing a variety of musical eras and styles. Students representing 30 area school districts as well as home-schooled children are involved.
Tickets are available now through the Chorale’s website, www.susquehannachorale.org, or by calling the Messiah University Box Office, which handles tickets for all the Chorale’s concert venues, at 717.691.6036, Option 1.
Tickets are $22.49 in advance, and $30.00 at the door for adults; and $7.19 in advance, and $10.00 at the door for students. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. New this year is a Livestream Option for $22.49!
The Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing ArtsMessiah University
600 University Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
United States
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