Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium

Designed by architect and cellist William Burnett Tuthill, Isaac Stern Auditorium has been a premier classical music performance space since its opening under a different name in 1891. Such legends as Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington and Armstrong have graced its stage. Its striking curvilinear design is accentuated with intricately carved, gold-trimmed walls. Hardwood and red velvet add character and richness to the hall.

Aside from its elegant décor, the auditorium is distinguished by acoustic excellence. "It has been said that the hall itself is an instrument," said the late Isaac Stern. "It takes what you do and makes it larger than life."

Indeed, many of those who attended the performance felt it was larger than life. Nearly 300 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered in New York to perform. Audience members, from homemakers to CEOs, came from across town and across the country for this colossal event in the life of the university. Whether direct descendants of the Susquehanna experience or cousins twice removed, they came bearing memories of how Susquehanna had changed their lives or the lives of their loved ones. And in the process, a new memory was born - the memory of an evening filled with immense pride, camaraderie and superb music.

Susquehanna University President L. Jay Lemons bids good wishes to the performers following his welcoming address.

More than 100 of the alumni performers traveled from across the country to sing in the chorus, many for the sole purpose of "singing for Cy" one last time. "Any chance to sing with Professor Stretansky is a wonderful experience," says Peter de Mets '93, artistic director of the Chamber Arts Guild in Newton, Pa. "I couldn't wait to stand up there and perform for him one more time." Another singer, Rebecca Edwards '80 Elkins, came from central Nevada, overcoming record-setting snowfall to perform with the maestro. (See related story.)

The evening was marked by another distinguishing moment as well: the world-premiere performance of Rain, River, Sea, written by Associate Professor of Music Patrick Long. Long sculpted a composition representing the passage of a single day - one full of energy and contemplation. "When I was asked to write this piece, I knew almost instantly how it would sound, how it would feel and what it would be about," Long says. "The University Theme for the year was 'Water,' and, of course, we're named after a river, so I decided to set different texts about water in its various forms."

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