25-04-2025
‘50 Forward: Beethoven's Ninth Revisited' 50th anniversary with Penn State musicians and alumni
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — A landmark season will end on a high note later this month as Penn State's Center for the Performing Arts presents a special concert to mark the 50th anniversary of Eisenhower Auditorium.
The celebratory performance, '50 Forward: Beethoven's Ninth Revisited,' will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, inside the historic venue that opened in 1974. The program will feature Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 9, performed by the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra and a mix of university choirs, student musicians and celebrated alumni vocalists.
Additional selections include 'Inspiration! Festive Overture' by Quinn Mason and 'Blue Cathedral' by Jennifer Higdon.
The evening also honors Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra, who is celebrating 25 years of service at the Penn State School of Music.
Alumni soloists include soprano Julia Wolcott, mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, tenor Kyle Tomlin and bass Michael Hanley — all graduates of the university's renowned music program. The choirs will include Penn State's Concert Choir, Glee Club, University Choir, Oriana Singers and Essence of Joy.
Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for youth, and $10 for University Park students. They can be purchased online or by calling 814-863-0255. Avoid the $4-per-ticket service fee by buying in person at Eisenhower Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Ahead of the concert, the public is invited to a benefit reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Verne M. Willaman Gateway of the Huck Life Sciences Building, featuring hors d'oeuvres and a celebration of memories from the auditorium's five-decade history.
The Center for the Performing Arts encourages the community to reflect, celebrate and enjoy a night of music that bridges Penn State's past and future.
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