Carnegie Hall actually has three stages, she said, and Susquehanna’s event next week is one of about 700 programs at the venerable hall annually.

It will be standing room only, with every one of the 2,900 seats in the Stern Auditorium, the main performance hall, filled.

Ten buses will leave the SU campus on Friday morning. Five will transport the performers, while the others are for alumni and friends who want to share the experience. The chorus will rehearse on Friday afternoon and a reception for the performers will follow the performance at a nearby hotel.

In addition, a bus will travel to New York City from the Lehigh Valley and another from the Scranton area is expected. Others are travelling to New York by van or car.

“Just being there and experiencing the venue, standing where so many famed artists have stood, will be a great thrill,” said Mr. Hosterman. “Did you know that Tchaikovsky conducted the first performance in Carnegie Hall?”

Mr. Hosterman said several members of his graduating class are among the 100 alumni selected to join the university chorus for the premiere performance of “Rain, River, Sea,” by Patrick Long, associate professor of music at SU. Several other choral works will be performed as well. Over 200 alumni applied to perform, but only 100 could be included.

“It’s a nice mix of recent and not-so-recent graduates,” he remarked.

Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest, who was also selected to sing, said he is looking forward to the trip to New York.

“I’m very, very excited,” he said. “I was very pleased to be selected to take part.”

Mr. Wiest said his wife and some friends are also going to New York for the performance, and Mr. Hosterman said his parents will be in the audience as well.

“They’re thrilled,” Mr. Hosterman said.