‘50 Forward’ concert on April 25 to feature Penn State School of Music singers, musicians

UNIVERSITY PARK (Monday, April 14, 2025)—In May 1974, University Auditorium opened its doors with a vision to serve as Penn State’s premier performing-arts venue and educational landmark.

The Center for the Performing Arts invites the community to relive that historic opening night in a celebratory conclusion to Eisenhower Auditorium 50th anniversary season. The grand concert “50 Forward: Beethoven’s Ninth Revisited” will be at 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

The program will feature the works “Inspiration! Festive Overture” by Quinn Mason; “Blue Cathedral” by Jennifer Higdon; and Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Performing artists include various Penn State School of Music Choirs, conducted by Christopher Kiver; and music by the Penn State Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Gerardo Edelstein. The performance will also feature distinguished Penn State alumni soloists Julia Wolcott, Lisa Marie Rogali, Kyle Tomlin and Michael Hanley.

Tickets are $50 for an adult; $25 for those 18 and younger; and $10 for a University Park student and are available for purchase online. The Arts Ticket Center is the only authorized outlet for individual tickets for events presented by the Center for the Performing Arts.

Avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Visit “50 Forward” online for more information about the performance and ticket information about a pre-concert benefit reception.

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 twenty-fifth 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

Supported provided by
Nina C. Brown Endowment

A grant from the University Park Fee Board makes student prices possible.

FIND US

For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.