We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…

Dear Friend, 

In the fall of 1969 three friends from Susquehanna University—Jack and Harriet Fries, Robert Summer—had an idea. They thought having a chorale of talented singers would enhance musical offerings in the Valley.

They envisioned an auditioned group of top-notch singers and asked friends, choir directors, and music teachers to spread the word: A select group was forming.

Singers from all over the Valley responded eagerly, and the group put on its first concert in January 1970—50 years ago.

They called themselves the Susquehanna Valley Chorale.

Their first concert was the famous work by Handel, Messiah.

The group grew, meeting professional standards of its well-respected first directors, Robert Summer and James Wilhelm. In 1975 Cyril Stretansky began the first year of his long tenure as music director of the group. I came in 1996 and inherited a first-rate, professionally-trained group of singers. Everyone who hears us says we’re really good.

This year we planned to celebrate our 50^th anniversary.

Then the virus struck.

Various studies suggest choral singing poses an enhanced risk to the spread of Covid-19. Traditional choral singing requires the singers to stand in close proximity— inhaling deeply and exhaling forcefully in order to project their voices to the audience.

And so the SVC Board, following national and state recommendations, as well as the plans of music groups throughout the world, reluctantly decided to postpone the 2020-2021 SVC season as scheduled. 

But singers were disappointed. They want to sing.

Audiences told us they want to hear our music somehow.

Was there a way to make this happen?

Yes! After a lot of thought, I decided to plan a “virtual season.” That means you’ll be able to hear the SVC on your computer or tablet by simply pressing a button. We’ll rehearse separately and sing from our own houses.

Will it cost money? Yes, for the SVC. But you can hear us for free!

Will we need your continued support to help us meet this new challenge? Of course. (Click here to support us today!)

You know the value of music. It soothes, it uplifts, it generates positivity. That’s why we’re letting you know you can find us, very soon, on YouTube, linked through svcmusic.org, our Facebook and Instagram pages.

When I was looking for a perfect theme to carry us through this anniversary year, I found this old song from the 1940s. Remember it?

So, from me to all of you, don’t forget . . .

We’ll meet again
Don’t know where,
Don’t’ know when
But we know we’ll meet again some sunny day!

Keep on smiling through,
Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies drive all dark clouds away.
Please say hello to all the folks that we know,
And tell them we won’t be long away . . .

For we’ll meet again,
Don’t know where,
Don’t know when,
But we’ll meet again some sunny day!

I hope you join us electronically this year. Going to SVCmusic.org will get you started. Also, sign up for our enewsletters (see the bottom of our homepage), like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep in touch with us through this virtual journey.

Watch for next year’s live concerts—and our 50^th anniversary celebration, just a little late.

Sincerely,

William Payn
Music Director/Conductor
Susquehanna Valley Chorale