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2025-2026 Season
A Legacy of Song
Sunday, November 23, 2025, 4:00 pm
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg
One of Linda Tedford’s passions is making a positive impact on the lives of young people through the power of choral singing. Starting with the formation of the Susquehanna Youth Chorale in 1988, followed by the Children’s Chorale in 1992 and the Alta Voce Chorale (formerly the Young Women’s Chorale) in 2007, Linda and a dedicated staff of superb conductors have nurtured a love for choral music in the hearts of literally hundreds of young singers, many of whom continue to sing in adult choirs or have even gone on to professional music careers. See and hear their work in action at this year’s Youth Choral Festival which promises to be a spectacular afternoon of inspiring music. From the excited faces of our children to the amazing skill of our teens to the polished sonority of the adult Susquehanna Chorale — this is the choral circle of life at its very best.
Join us for the Youth Choral Festival where singers of all ages come together to create a community through song. n
Youth Choral Festival 2025
Friday, December 19, 7:30 pm
Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
Messiah University, Mechanicsburg
Saturday, December 20, 7:30 pm
Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg
Sunday, December 21, 4:00 pm
Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown
The Christmas season is one of Linda Tedford’s favorite things, and she’s chosen a marvelous collection of holiday pieces ranging from the works of Bach and Praetorius to the sacred and secular music of our own time, featuring accompaniments by brass and solo cello. You’ll hear Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Biebl’s Ave Maria for men’s voices, premiers of works composed by Linda’s former Messiah University colleagues, Richard Roberson and William Stowman as well as Dan Forrest’s Let the Stable Still Astonish, commissioned in honor of the Chorale’s 40th Anniversary. As always, there will be a majestic opening processional, spirituals, carol singalongs, fabulous organ and instrumental music, and then singers will surround the audience, light their candles, and express
the true meaning of Christmas in the treasured finale, Silent Night. Let the voices of the Susquehanna Chorale, captured in gorgeous music of the season, offer you moments of peace, joy and reflection.
Come and experience the magic of Candlelight Christmas.
Candlelight Christmas
Friday, May 15 7:30 pm
Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey
Saturday, May 16 7:30 pm
St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster (New Location)
Sunday, May 17, 4:00 pm
Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg
Our spring concerts celebrate Linda Tedford’s incredible career by presenting some of her favorite songs, all by
American composers in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday.
This collection of choral classics includes Morton Lauridsen’s Sure on this Shining Night, selections from Randall Thomp-
son’s Frostiana, and beloved works from Dan Forrest (The Music of Living, Shalom), Shawn Kirchner (Bright Morning Star, Unclouded Day) and Mack Wilberg (Bound for the Promised Land, My Song in the Night). A line from the final number, Make Our Garden Grow, from Candide, arranged by Linda’s mentor the late Robert Page says, “We’ll do the
best we know. We’ll build our house and chop our wood and make our garden grow.” For 45 years, Linda Tedford has planted the seeds of love for choral music and grown a magnificent garden of lives enriched by song.
The Susquehanna Chorale invites you to share in this very special concert filled with joy, memories, and beautiful music honoring a life that is truly a legacy in song.
Ticket Information
Purchasing Tickets
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All ticketing is handled for the Susquehanna Chorale by the Messiah University Box Office, regardless of location.
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We want to share the beauty of the choral art with all. Children who would appreciate the concert experience and our repertoire are welcome to attend. Please keep in mind that most of our concerts are held in the evening and last for 90-120 minutes with intermission. Children should be capable of sitting quietly for this amount of time. As a courtesy to our performers and other patrons, we suggest that children under age 6 not attend.
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Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
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Individual concert tickets can be purchased online, or by using the season brochure paper order form.
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To order tickets by phone, call the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036, Option 1.
Ticket Pricing
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Season subscriptions offer the best value, and are available for purchase until the Youth Choral Festival in November.
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Online discount pricing is available for single-ticket purchases until the Friday of each concert week. Tickets purchased online after 3:00 p.m. on those Fridays will be sold at door pricing.
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At-the-door pricing for the Youth Choral Festival is $30 for adults and $10 for students. Adult tickets may be purchased online at a discount. Ticketing fees may apply.
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At-the-door pricing for Christmas and Spring programs is $35 for adults and $10 for students. Adult tickets may be purchased online at a discount. Ticketing fees may apply.
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Order your tickets promptly to ensure the best seating and value!
Group Discounts-*not available online
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Group and special organization bulk purchase discounts are available when 10 or more tickets are sold at the same time.
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For pricing, and to purchase group tickets, call the Messiah University Box Office at 717.691.6036.
Additional Information
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Concerts at Messiah University have assigned seating (select when ordering your tickets). All other venues have open seating.
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Doors generally open 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled performance time.
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The box office closes for advance sales at 3 p.m. on the Friday preceding an event or event series. After that, tickets can only be purchased at the door or online for full price.
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For additional information, contact the Susquehanna Chorale at 717-533-7859 or sc@susquehannachorale.org