Centennial Concert

120+ alumni spanning seven decades add to the grand sound of the Centennial

By Rowan University

March 14^th, 2024

A legacy worth celebrating

More than 250 performers—students, past and present faculty and music alumni—filled Pfleeger Concert Hall’s stage for a momentous collaboration: A celebration of Rowan University's Centennial.

The packed stage was matched by a packed house, with more than 600 tickets sold for the Centennial Concert presented by the College of Performing Arts.

Faculty emeriti and music alumni united their talents with Rowan’s premiere ensembles—Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble—to perform works from Carolyn Bremer, Aaron Copland, Ottorino Respighi, Dmitri Shostakovich and more to commemorate a legacy of musical excellence at Rowan.

The performance included appearances by faculty emeriti guest conductors Salvatore Scarpa and Dr. John Pastin, as well as the faculty directors from each ensemble.

Orchestra conductor Salvatore Scarpa '76

Conductors Christopher Thomas, Salvatore Scarpa and Jiannan Cheng with soloist Lauren Athey-Janka (second from right)

More than 120 alumni from seven decades returned for the celebration.

Graduates from the music education program put together a tribute to the program's "early years" (1962-1972), led by Joe Akinskas '70, John McClernan '70 and Rhonda Locklear Holland '72.