Linda L. Tedford, Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor of the Susquehanna Chorale, and Director of Choral Activities, Emeritus, Messiah University, has received a Circle of Excellence award from the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal.
This award is granted annually to area women of influence at the pinnacle of their careers in recognition of their sustained achievement; longstanding, notable success in the community; and leadership/mentorship of other women.
Tedford will be honored, along with five other Circle of Excellence winners, at a Recognition Celebration on June 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. The Circle of Excellence is the highest category of recognition; 29 other regional leaders from a variety of professions will receive the Women of Influence award, and four others will receive the Women to Watch award.
“I am honored to be a recipient of the Circle of Excellence award,” said Tedford. “My career as a choral conductor is deeply rewarding and satisfying. To be able to make beautiful music with incredibly talented singers is a real gift, and to share my love of music is a joy. My deepest thanks to all who sing with me, to all who listen, and to those who recommended me for this award."
Tedford is being recognized in part for her leadership and development of the Susquehanna Chorale, a nationally acclaimed adult chamber ensemble of 37 auditioned singers. Since its founding by Tedford in 1981, the group has been praised for its “ethereal blend,” “unparalleled tone,” and strong emotional connection to the music. The Chorale has been celebrating its 40th Anniversary Legacy season this year, and the vocal ensemble will be touring Ireland in July. The Susquehanna Chorale is a recipient of Chorus America’s most prestigious award, the Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence.
Tedford was also responsible for the creation of the Susquehanna Chorale’s Educational Outreach Program, which reaches scores of local student singers annually. She recently retired from her position as Director of Choral Activities at Messiah College, where she taught conducting and conducted the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Choral Arts Society. She has been previously honored by the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania with the Elaine Brown Award for lifelong commitment to excellence and leadership in the choral art. In 2013, she received Theatre Harrisburg’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region.
