Page 14 - 2021 Youth Choral Festival Program

T Susquehanna Chorale
he Susquehanna Chorale, founded in 1981 by Artistic Director Linda L. Tedford, has been widely recognized as one of the outstanding choral ensembles in the United States. The 37-voice chamber choir is recognized by critics and audiences alike for its commitment to excellence and its artistic interpretation of choral works of many styles and historical periods.
Reflecting its dedication to the music of our time, the group has performed the East Coast premieres of many outstanding works, and it has commissioned several new works for its concert series. Past seasons have included performances at Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York, the Washington National Cathedral, conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and the PA House of Representatives at the State Capitol. The Chorale has also toured Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, and will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a tour of Vienna and Krakow in July 2022. The Chorale also performs regularly with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and in the summer series at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania.
The Susquehanna Chorale’s awards include Chorus America’s highest national honor, the Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence, and it tied for second place in the 2020 American Prize Competition. The group’s CDs have received national recognition, with four - Wondrous Love, American Treasures, Sing Me to Heaven, and Roots & Wings - receiving consideration for a Grammy nomination.
In its mission to promote the choral art, the Chorale co-sponsored the Central PA Choral Festival for 17 years, bringing internationally known conductors to Central Pennsylvania. The Chorale’s Educational Outreach Program currently reaches hundreds of local students from third grade to the first year of college through its four training choirs: the Preparatory Choir, the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, the Susquehanna Youth Chorale, and the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale. It also sponsors a conducting internship for area college students.
Linda L. Tedford, Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor
Linda L. Tedford is the Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor of the award- winning Susquehanna Chorale, established in 1981. She is responsible for the creation of the Chorale’s Educational Outreach program, which reaches hundreds of local student singers annually. Ms. Tedford is Professor Emeritus, Director
of Choral Activities, at Messiah University in Grantham, PA. Choirs under her leadership have performed at regional and state conventions of the American
14 Annual Youth Choral Festival