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Southern’s Symphony Orchestra and Voices of Southern traveled to New York City to perform at Lincoln Center, one of the world’s most renowned concert venues. The performance took place on December 21 in David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic.

“Performing on the same stage where the New York Philharmonic and so many other notable musicians have performed was an incredible privilege for our students. I’m glad this could be part of their experience at Southern,” shares Laurie Redmer Cadwallader, associate professor of music, who conducted the concert. “I am so proud of the drive, determination, and engagement our students showed during the weeks of preparation for the Lincoln Center concert. I was also thrilled to witness the professionalism with which they all approached the rehearsals and the concert itself. They were truly outstanding.”

The trip allowed students to represent Southern on a national stage while gaining firsthand experience in a professional performance setting. Opportunities like this reflect the School of Music’s emphasis on combining rigorous academic preparation with meaningful performance experiences beyond the classroom.

“My wife and I were able to visit with excited choir members backstage before the concert, and they were thrilled for the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center,” says Ken Shaw, university president. “I’m so appreciative that our conductor and students took time out of their Christmas vacation to share their God-given talents in New York City.”

Southern’s ensembles perform regularly on campus, throughout the region, and on international concert tours, but the Lincoln Center appearance stands out as a distinctive moment, serving as both a capstone to the fall semester and a memorable highlight of students’ musical education.

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