"The Promise of Living" concert

The Susquehanna Chorale, the nationally-recognized chamber choir based in central Pennsylvania, will present its 35th anniversary program, “The Promise of Living,” under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Linda L. Tedford.

“I have chosen music and texts that express the promise of living through joy and wonder, concluding with a profound reminder to cherish life and those we love,” Tedford said.

The program will be dedicated to the memory of renowned choral arts conductor Robert Page.

The centerpiece of the first part of the program is Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, a setting of a poem by Christopher Smart. Leading up to this are selections of praise and assurance from the Renaissance (Tallis’s If Ye Love Me and Byrd’s Sing Joyfully) to pieces from the 21st century (Angeleo’s Jubilate Deo and Stopford’s Do Not Be Afraid).

Repertoire for the second half of the concert describes life’s experiences, offering comfort (There Will Be Rest), and a setting of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s expression of love (How Do I Love Thee).

Two early American folksongs, Simple Gifts and No Time, are followed by Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of Living,” (The Tender Land), whose message permeates the program.

The program will conclude with three arrangements by Page: Sondheim’s “Our Time” (Merrily We Roll Along) and “No One Has Ever Loved Me” (Passion), and his most beloved arrangement of Bernstein’s “Make our Garden Grow” (Candide).

All audience members are invited to attend receptions honoring the Chorale’s 35th anniversary immediately following each concert.

Price: $20 in advance, $25 at door, $5 students