Artists
The concert event will feature the Penn State School of Music choirs and their directors: Concert Choir, Glee Club and University Choir (Christopher Kiver); Essence of Joy (Austin Norrid); and Oriana Singers (Emily Wertz).
Featured alumni soloists for the Beethoven piece will feature some of Penn State School of Music’s most accomplished and successful professional vocalists, including Julia Wolcott, soprano; Lisa Marie Rogali, alto/mezzo-soprano; Kyle Tomlin, tenor; and Michael Hanley, bass.
The Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra will perform under the baton of Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, who also will be celebrating his 25th anniversary of outstanding conducting, teaching and mentoring at the School of Music.
Penn State School of Music Director Ann Marie Stanley emphasized the significance of the event.
"Eisenhower Auditorium has been home to generations of Penn State musicians and music lovers, a place where artistry and education come together in extraordinary ways,” she said. “To celebrate this milestone with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony — a work that embodies unity and the power of the human spirit — is deeply moving.”
The Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, who will be honored at this concert for 25 years of exceptional conducting, teaching and mentoring at the Penn State School of Music. The concert serves not only as a celebration of Eisenhower Auditorium’s storied history, but also as a tribute to his lasting impact on the Penn State musical community.
“We are immensely proud of our students, faculty and alumni who continue to shape the future of music,” Stanley said. “We invite the entire community to join us in this unforgettable evening of reflection and celebration.”
Featured soloists
Michael Hanley (bass) is a distinguished vocal educator and performer with degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Penn State. He has taught at institutions such as Syracuse University and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He has performed operatic roles including Schaunard (“La Bohème”) and Mercutio (“Roméo et Juliette”).
Kyle Tomlin (tenor), acclaimed by The Washington Post for his “impressively commanding” voice, has performed nationwide with companies including Virginia Opera, St. Petersburg Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra. The Penn State and University of Michigan graduate is a member of the United States Army Chorus.
Lisa Marie Rogali (alto) is a celebrated mezzo-soprano with performances spanning opera, musical theatre and contemporary works. The Penn State and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate will debut as Carmen with Virginia Opera and Florentine Opera in the 2024–25 season.
Julia Wolcott (soprano), a Penn State and Juilliard alumna, has performed with Sarasota Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival. Recognized for her dramatic vocal abilities, she earned the Anne J. O’ Donnell Award for Outstanding Apprentice Artist at Sarasota Opera.
Pre-concert benefit reception
The center invites the public to a special pre-concert benefit reception to help set the stage for an evening of musical tributes. The volunteer-organized event will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Verne M. Willaman Gateway of the Life Sciences, Huck Life Sciences Building; followed by the captivating music performance in Eisenhower Auditorium.
The benefit reception will feature a buffet of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, as well as an opportunity to celebrate your “best of” moments from 50 years of Eisenhower Auditorium.
Call 863-0255 or visit “50 Forward” online for more information about the pre-concert benefit reception.
Acknowledgments
Sponsored by Pieter W. and Lida Ouwehand.
Support provided by the Nina C. Brown Endowment.
A grant from the University Park Fee Board makes student prices possible.
Find the Center for the Performing Arts
For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.