Shenandoah University’s sesquicentennial celebration continues with the presentation of “150 Years Young,” a concert honoring the university’s legacy and future, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Armstrong Concert Hall. The Symphony Orchestra, led by Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Conducting Emanuele Andrizzi, D.M.A., and Conservatory Choir, led by Choral Artist-in-Residence, Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor Richard W. Robbins, D.M.A., join forces to present a sweeping program filled with drama, lyricism and meaning.

At the heart of the program is the world premiere of “Shenandoah Carols,” a specially commissioned work by esteemed American composer and Shenandoah alumnus Joel Puckett ’99 (Bachelor of Music in Composition). Written for choir and chamber orchestra, the piece honors the Lessons and Carols tradition and features music written in response to poetry by the Bengali polymath and artist Rabindranath Tagore, American poet and essayist Walt Whitman and Chinese poet and essayist Li Qingzhao. The lessons will be read by SU Board of Trustee member and long-time conservatory supporter Marjorie Lewis ’81 (Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Bachelor of Arts in English) and her daughter, Alicia; SU Board of Trustees Vice Chair James U. Imoh; and Professor of Voice Byron Jones ’04, D.M.A. 

“Some of my favorite memories from my years at Shenandoah are the annual Lessons and Carols services,” said Puckett. “The warmth, the sense of community and the way music and reflection filled the space have always stayed with me. To now be creating ‘Shenandoah Carols’ to celebrate that tradition feels deeply special. It is a chance to give back to a moment that meant so much to me as a student and still represents the heart of what makes this place extraordinary.”

Composed in honor of Shenandoah’s milestone year, Puckett’s vibrant piece celebrates a university “150 years young” — one rooted in tradition, yet ever-evolving through the artistry of its students, faculty and alumni.

“We are delighted to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Shenandoah University with the premiere of an inspiring new work, ‘Shenandoah Carols,’ composed especially for this occasion by Shenandoah Conservatory alumnus and esteemed composer Joel Puckett for the Conservatory Choir and Symphony Orchestra,” said Andrizzi. “This piece pays tribute to the century-old Christian tradition, originating in Cambridge in 1918, of combining biblical lessons with carols in preparation for the Christmas season. Joel has reimagined this tradition, which has long been part of our university’s own history, in a contemporary voice that weaves together religious and secular elements, giving this art form new resonance and depth. Inspired by his work, the Symphony Orchestra will present a full program that reflects both the long history of our beloved institution and musical selections shaped by a profound sense of belonging and spirituality.”

The concert opens with Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” under the baton of Andrizzi, and also features cellist Christopher Gilley ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Performance), a winner of Shenandoah Conservatory’s 2025-26 Student Soloists Competition last March, in a special performance of the first movement of Barber’s Cello Concerto, op. 22, conducted by Juan-David Domínguez ’27 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance – Conducting). Franck’s Symphony in D Minor, a sweeping and soulful masterpiece that stands as one of the great symphonies of the late 19th century, closes out the evening with a radiant conclusion that brings the program to an exhilarating close.

Puckett’s commissioned piece is made possible by the generosity of John Lewis, in honor of his wife, Marjorie.

About Joel Puckett

Puckett, who earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Shenandoah Conservatory, has been described as “soaringly lyrical” (Minneapolis Star Tribune) and “Puccini-esque” (Wall Street Journal). Known for blending emotional depth with imaginative orchestration, his compositions captivate audiences around the globe.

Puckett’s acclaimed works include “The Shadow of Sirius,” a flute concerto with over 200 worldwide performances featured on the Grammy-nominated Naxos recording of the same name. His opera “The Fix,” commissioned by Minnesota Opera, was praised for its rich orchestration and powerful storytelling, prompting Parterre Box to declare, “Puckett should be a household word.”

His recent collaborations with celebrated artists such as jazz trumpeter Sean Jones and tenor Nicholas Phan further illustrate Puckett’s versatility and artistic range. His newest album, “Short Stories in London,” featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and released on AVIE Records, showcases his skill in creating compelling musical narratives.

As professor of music theory and composition at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, Puckett is deeply committed to fostering musical talent and creativity. Puckett’s music continues to resonate with listeners and critics alike, making him one of today’s most compelling musical voices.

Ticket Information

The Symphony Orchestra with Conservatory Choir’s performance of “150 Years Young” begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are available for purchase online 24/7 at conservatoryperforms.org. Tickets are available for purchase in person at the Shenandoah Conservatory Box Office located in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby and over the phone at 540-665-4569 during regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday from noon-5 p.m.).