Gretna Music at Elizabethtown College

Indulge and Save!
The best value in great music anywhere gets better when when you attend more concerts! Take advantage of our multiple concert discounts and save!
Purchase 2 or more concerts and save 10% on your order.
Purchase 3 or more concerts and save 15% on your order.
Purchase 4 or more concerts and save 20% on your order.
Purchase 5 or more concerts and save 25% on your order.
More info...    Download order form
*Applies to adult tickets only.  Concerts must be purchased together.  No retroactive discounts.

Dinner at Leffler

Dinner at Leffler
Even great music just doesn't sound the same on an empty stomach.  But no fear!  Gretna Music offers Dinner at Leffler, a delicious buffet meal served before selected concerts in Leffler Chapel’s McCormick Gallery. The menu includes a choice of 2 entrees, sides, desserts and an assortment of non-alcoholic drinks. Arrive early, enjoy fine food and good company, take in an enlightening pre-concert talk, and then hear great music by world-class musicians, all without ever leaving Leffler Chapel.  Reservations required one week in advance.  Make yours by calling 717-361-1508 or click here.   Bon appetit!  (Dinner $22)

Dinner at Leffler is available prior to these concerts in 2012-2013
November 29 (Eileen Ivers)
December 15 (Tudor Choir / Wheatland Chorale)
February 23 (Joel Fan)

Upcoming Events

  • Music at Gretna 2013 Tickets

    Summer 2013

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Subscription tickets are date flexible. Use them one at a time or all in one night. Available in six and ten-ticket books. The best value in great music in central PA!

  • Sarah Chang, violin
        and Andrew von Oeyen, piano

    Wednesday, July 3, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    "Her gifts are at a level so removed from the rest of us that all we can do is feel the appropriate awe and then wonder on the mysteries of nature." So says the NY Times of violin goddess Sarah Chang. We just say, "Wow, what a way to open the season!" Program
    Brahms, Scherzo in c minor, WoO 2, ‘Sonatensatz’
    Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 3 in d minor, Op. 108
    Prokofiev, Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94a

  • Terell Stafford Quartet

    Opening Act: Temple Ave

    Friday, July 5, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Combining lyricism, virtuosity, and a keen sense of adventure, Terell Stafford has been hailed as "one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player" by piano legend McCoy Tyner.

    Opening act: the youthful Temple Avenue (students of Terell at Temple U!)

  • New Black Eagle Jazz Band

    Saturday, July 6, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Masters of Dixieland jazz and the true dukes of the Playhouse stage, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band still sound as fresh as when they first played Music at Gretna in 1976. Hum along to their inimitable takes on old favorites like Tiger Rag and Basin Street Blues, listen with delight as they unearthed forgotten jazz age curios, and tap along to their own original compositions.

  • Jazz Worship Service

    with Jazz Reverend John Overman and the Black Eagles

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    11:00 AM

    free

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    An inspiring service of worship, praise, fun and reflection with the Black Eagles and jazz reverend John Overman. No admission charge.  A freewill offering to benefit Gretna Music will be taken.

  • Gumbo Dinner

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    Noon

    Mt. Gretna Hall of Philosophy

    After Sunday morning's Jazz Worship Service, join us for a homemade New Orleans lunch, cooked with loving care by members of the PA Chautauqua!

    Menu: Shrimp, sausage and chicken gumbo over rice, plus coleslaw, cornbread, French bread, beignets, fresh fruit, chicory coffee, and ice tea.

  • Baltimore Nonet

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Last time he was here, former Baltimore Symphony principal bassoonist Phil Kolker brought us octets by Schubert and Beethoven. This time he outdoes himself by one, thinking big again with Louis Spohr’s Nonet, appropriately nicknamed 'Grand'. Program
    Rossini, Wind Sonata No. 4 in B-flat Major
    Debussy, Syrinx
    Carter, Wind Quintet
    Nielsen, Serenata Invano
    Spohr, Grand Nonet, Op. 31

  • Trio Terzetto

    Sunday, July 14, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Violinist Diana Cohen has played the Gretna stage with Momenta, and with her father Franklin, principal clarinet of the Cleveland Orchestra. Now she takes the lead with her own group, Trio Terzetto, in a concert featuring the music of Schubert. Program
    Beethoven, Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1
    Shostakovich, Piano Trio No. 1 in c minor, Op. 8
    Schubert, Piano Trio in E-flat Major, D. 929
    "

  • Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes

    Saturday, August 3, 2013

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Mt. Gretna

    Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna's iconic homes. A self-guided walking tour includes homes and gardens of contrasting sizes and styles, some homes almost a century old; others just finished.

  • Anna Polonsky & Friends

    Sunday, August 4, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Robert Schumann’s masterful Piano Quartet hasn’t been heard at the Playhouse this century. What better pianist to round up a group of virtuoso friends and end that absence than Gretna favorite Anna Polonsky? Program
    C. Schumann, Piano Trio in g minor, Op. 17
    Joachim, Romance in C Major
    Joachim, Andantino in a minor
    R. Schumann, Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47

  • The Capitol Steps

    Friday, August 9, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Who needs term limits when we have the Capitol Steps making life hysterically uncomfortable for politicians of all stripes? Musical satire doesn't get any finer!

  • A Tribute to Getz / Gilberto

    Opening Act: Nicole Roberts, vocals, and Colin Mekeel, piano

    Saturday, August 10, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Philly-based Brazilian sextet Minas brings to life the seminal jazz-bossa nova sounds of American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto. On everyone's shortlist of "greatest jazz albums ever," 1964's Getz/Gilberto, and Minas' 2013 tribute, feature classics including The Girl from Ipanema and Corcovado.

  • Wister Quartet

    w/ Anne Sullivan, harp

    Sunday, August 11, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    A mid-summer Mt. Gretna evening is the perfect time for lush, lyrical favorites for strings and harp. Our good friends, the Wister Quartet are joined by harpist Anne Sullivan for what’s sure to be a delightful occasion. Program
    Debussy, Sacred and Profane Dances
    Salzedo, Chanson dans la Nuit
    Saint-Saens, Fantasie for violin and harp
    Massenet, Meditation from Thais
    Borodin, String Quartet No. 2 in D Major

  • Beauty in Motion: Members of the Martha Graham Company

    Friday, August 30, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Physical grace meets contemporary thinking in choreography by Peter Sparling and Blakeley White-McGuire, set to the music of Missy Mazzoli, Jean-Phillipe Rameau, Zoe Keating and more, and featuring star performers from the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company.

  • Duquesne University Tamburitzans

    Saturday, August 31, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Americas’ longest running multicultural dance company, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans return to Gretna. The dancers may change as students graduate, but the enthusiasm and joy of youth, and the beauty of the dance, go on.

  • Momenta Quartet

    w/ Charles Abramovic, piano, and Allen Krantz, guitar

    Sunday, September 1, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Back in 2011, our world premiere presentation of Allen Krantz’s Piano Quartet was pretty much washed out by Hurricane Irene. Pianist Charles Abramovic and Momenta reunite to give Mother Nature (and you, if you were sane and didn’t brave the elements) another shot to hear this enchanting work. Program
    Boccherini, Guitar Quintet in E Major, G. 446
    Krantz, Piano Quartet
    Elgar, Piano Quintet in a minor, Op. 84

  • Momenta Quartet & Friends

    Music by Enescu and Beethoven

    Sunday, September 8, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Octets are about as big as chamber music gets – and we’ve got the biggest. George Enescu’s post-romantic giant even makes that other octet (you know the one) look as bantam as a midsummer night’s dream. Works of Carter and Beethoven round out a truly epic evening. Program
    Carter, Figment for solo cello
    Beethoven, String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 74, ‘Harp’
    Enescu, Octet in C Major, Op. 7

  • July 29

    MAG 2012 Kickoff Dinner

    Sunday, July 29, 2012

    6:00 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon


    Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon

    Music at Gretna's 2012 kickoff dinner at Trattoria Fratelli, voted the #1 Italian Restaurant in Central PA 12 years straight. It's fabulous food, good company, and great fun to whet the appetite for this year's festival!
    Dinner includes antipasti, cold soup, your choice of 3 fabulous entrees, dessert, wine and beer. Trat Frat website

  • Gretna Music Spring Gala

    Saturday, March 17, 2012

    5:00 - 7:00 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    President's Home, Elizabethtown College

    The Gretna Music Spring Gala is one of our major annual fundraisers. Enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner then take in the Pablo Ziegler concert at Leffler Chapel with other Gretna Music supporters.  Hosted by Elizabethtown College president Carl Strikwerda and his wife, Dr. Gail Bossenga, at their home near the Elizabethtown College campus.

  • Shai Wosner, piano

    Saturday, December 1, 2012

    7:30 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Leffler Performance Ctr, Elizabethtown College

    Featured Monster: Piano Sonata in Bb Major by Schubert
    Shai Wosner has attracted international recognition for his exceptional artistry, musical integrity, and creative insight. His virtuosity and perceptiveness have made him a favorite among audiences and critics, who have praised him for his “keen musical mind and deep musical soul” (NPR’s All Things Considered) and for exemplifying a “remarkable blend of the intellectual, physical and even devilish sides of performance.” (Chicago Sun Times). Shai's website

  • Gilles Vonsattel, piano

    Saturday, March 16, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Leffler Performance Ctr, Elizabethtown College

    Featured Monster: Piano Sonata #2: Concord 1840-1850 by Ives
    Winner of a 2008 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 2002 Naumburg International Piano Competition, Gilles Vonsattel has appeared as soloist with the Boston Symphony and San Francisco Symphony. He is also an artist member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The Boston Musical Intelligencer said Mr. Vonstattel’s Boston Symphony debut “was a pure triumph, piercing the veil and grabbing the audience by the lapels.” Mr. Vonsattel received a B.A. in political science and economics from Columbia University and a M.M. from The Juilliard School. Gilles' website

Directions to Leffler Performance Center


View larger map

 

  • Music at Gretna 2013 Tickets

    Summer 2013

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Subscription tickets are date flexible. Use them one at a time or all in one night. Available in six and ten-ticket books. The best value in great music in central PA!

  • Sarah Chang, violin
        and Andrew von Oeyen, piano

    Wednesday, July 3, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    "Her gifts are at a level so removed from the rest of us that all we can do is feel the appropriate awe and then wonder on the mysteries of nature." So says the NY Times of violin goddess Sarah Chang. We just say, "Wow, what a way to open the season!" Program
    Brahms, Scherzo in c minor, WoO 2, ‘Sonatensatz’
    Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 3 in d minor, Op. 108
    Prokofiev, Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94a

  • Terell Stafford Quartet

    Opening Act: Temple Ave

    Friday, July 5, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Combining lyricism, virtuosity, and a keen sense of adventure, Terell Stafford has been hailed as "one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player" by piano legend McCoy Tyner.

    Opening act: the youthful Temple Avenue (students of Terell at Temple U!)

  • New Black Eagle Jazz Band

    Saturday, July 6, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Masters of Dixieland jazz and the true dukes of the Playhouse stage, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band still sound as fresh as when they first played Music at Gretna in 1976. Hum along to their inimitable takes on old favorites like Tiger Rag and Basin Street Blues, listen with delight as they unearthed forgotten jazz age curios, and tap along to their own original compositions.

  • Jazz Worship Service

    with Jazz Reverend John Overman and the Black Eagles

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    11:00 AM

    free

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    An inspiring service of worship, praise, fun and reflection with the Black Eagles and jazz reverend John Overman. No admission charge.  A freewill offering to benefit Gretna Music will be taken.

  • Gumbo Dinner

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    Noon

    Mt. Gretna Hall of Philosophy

    After Sunday morning's Jazz Worship Service, join us for a homemade New Orleans lunch, cooked with loving care by members of the PA Chautauqua!

    Menu: Shrimp, sausage and chicken gumbo over rice, plus coleslaw, cornbread, French bread, beignets, fresh fruit, chicory coffee, and ice tea.

  • Baltimore Nonet

    Sunday, July 7, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Last time he was here, former Baltimore Symphony principal bassoonist Phil Kolker brought us octets by Schubert and Beethoven. This time he outdoes himself by one, thinking big again with Louis Spohr’s Nonet, appropriately nicknamed 'Grand'. Program
    Rossini, Wind Sonata No. 4 in B-flat Major
    Debussy, Syrinx
    Carter, Wind Quintet
    Nielsen, Serenata Invano
    Spohr, Grand Nonet, Op. 31

  • Trio Terzetto

    Sunday, July 14, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Violinist Diana Cohen has played the Gretna stage with Momenta, and with her father Franklin, principal clarinet of the Cleveland Orchestra. Now she takes the lead with her own group, Trio Terzetto, in a concert featuring the music of Schubert. Program
    Beethoven, Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1
    Shostakovich, Piano Trio No. 1 in c minor, Op. 8
    Schubert, Piano Trio in E-flat Major, D. 929
    "

  • Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes

    Saturday, August 3, 2013

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Mt. Gretna

    Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna's iconic homes. A self-guided walking tour includes homes and gardens of contrasting sizes and styles, some homes almost a century old; others just finished.

  • Anna Polonsky & Friends

    Sunday, August 4, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Robert Schumann’s masterful Piano Quartet hasn’t been heard at the Playhouse this century. What better pianist to round up a group of virtuoso friends and end that absence than Gretna favorite Anna Polonsky? Program
    C. Schumann, Piano Trio in g minor, Op. 17
    Joachim, Romance in C Major
    Joachim, Andantino in a minor
    R. Schumann, Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47

  • The Capitol Steps

    Friday, August 9, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Who needs term limits when we have the Capitol Steps making life hysterically uncomfortable for politicians of all stripes? Musical satire doesn't get any finer!

  • A Tribute to Getz / Gilberto

    Opening Act: Nicole Roberts, vocals, and Colin Mekeel, piano

    Saturday, August 10, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Philly-based Brazilian sextet Minas brings to life the seminal jazz-bossa nova sounds of American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto. On everyone's shortlist of "greatest jazz albums ever," 1964's Getz/Gilberto, and Minas' 2013 tribute, feature classics including The Girl from Ipanema and Corcovado.

  • Wister Quartet

    w/ Anne Sullivan, harp

    Sunday, August 11, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    A mid-summer Mt. Gretna evening is the perfect time for lush, lyrical favorites for strings and harp. Our good friends, the Wister Quartet are joined by harpist Anne Sullivan for what’s sure to be a delightful occasion. Program
    Debussy, Sacred and Profane Dances
    Salzedo, Chanson dans la Nuit
    Saint-Saens, Fantasie for violin and harp
    Massenet, Meditation from Thais
    Borodin, String Quartet No. 2 in D Major

  • Beauty in Motion: Members of the Martha Graham Company

    Friday, August 30, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Physical grace meets contemporary thinking in choreography by Peter Sparling and Blakeley White-McGuire, set to the music of Missy Mazzoli, Jean-Phillipe Rameau, Zoe Keating and more, and featuring star performers from the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company.

  • Duquesne University Tamburitzans

    Saturday, August 31, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Americas’ longest running multicultural dance company, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans return to Gretna. The dancers may change as students graduate, but the enthusiasm and joy of youth, and the beauty of the dance, go on.

  • Momenta Quartet

    w/ Charles Abramovic, piano, and Allen Krantz, guitar

    Sunday, September 1, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Back in 2011, our world premiere presentation of Allen Krantz’s Piano Quartet was pretty much washed out by Hurricane Irene. Pianist Charles Abramovic and Momenta reunite to give Mother Nature (and you, if you were sane and didn’t brave the elements) another shot to hear this enchanting work. Program
    Boccherini, Guitar Quintet in E Major, G. 446
    Krantz, Piano Quartet
    Elgar, Piano Quintet in a minor, Op. 84

  • Momenta Quartet & Friends

    Music by Enescu and Beethoven

    Sunday, September 8, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Mt. Gretna Playhouse

    Playhouse

    Octets are about as big as chamber music gets – and we’ve got the biggest. George Enescu’s post-romantic giant even makes that other octet (you know the one) look as bantam as a midsummer night’s dream. Works of Carter and Beethoven round out a truly epic evening. Program
    Carter, Figment for solo cello
    Beethoven, String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 74, ‘Harp’
    Enescu, Octet in C Major, Op. 7

  • July 29

    MAG 2012 Kickoff Dinner

    Sunday, July 29, 2012

    6:00 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon


    Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon

    Music at Gretna's 2012 kickoff dinner at Trattoria Fratelli, voted the #1 Italian Restaurant in Central PA 12 years straight. It's fabulous food, good company, and great fun to whet the appetite for this year's festival!
    Dinner includes antipasti, cold soup, your choice of 3 fabulous entrees, dessert, wine and beer. Trat Frat website

  • Gretna Music Spring Gala

    Saturday, March 17, 2012

    5:00 - 7:00 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    President's Home, Elizabethtown College

    The Gretna Music Spring Gala is one of our major annual fundraisers. Enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner then take in the Pablo Ziegler concert at Leffler Chapel with other Gretna Music supporters.  Hosted by Elizabethtown College president Carl Strikwerda and his wife, Dr. Gail Bossenga, at their home near the Elizabethtown College campus.

  • Shai Wosner, piano

    Saturday, December 1, 2012

    7:30 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Leffler Performance Ctr, Elizabethtown College

    Featured Monster: Piano Sonata in Bb Major by Schubert
    Shai Wosner has attracted international recognition for his exceptional artistry, musical integrity, and creative insight. His virtuosity and perceptiveness have made him a favorite among audiences and critics, who have praised him for his “keen musical mind and deep musical soul” (NPR’s All Things Considered) and for exemplifying a “remarkable blend of the intellectual, physical and even devilish sides of performance.” (Chicago Sun Times). Shai's website

  • Gilles Vonsattel, piano

    Saturday, March 16, 2013

    7:30 PM

    Purchase Tickets

    Leffler Performance Ctr, Elizabethtown College

    Featured Monster: Piano Sonata #2: Concord 1840-1850 by Ives
    Winner of a 2008 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 2002 Naumburg International Piano Competition, Gilles Vonsattel has appeared as soloist with the Boston Symphony and San Francisco Symphony. He is also an artist member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The Boston Musical Intelligencer said Mr. Vonstattel’s Boston Symphony debut “was a pure triumph, piercing the veil and grabbing the audience by the lapels.” Mr. Vonsattel received a B.A. in political science and economics from Columbia University and a M.M. from The Juilliard School. Gilles' website