NEW YORK -- Carnegie Hall has housed musical giants like Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Stravinsky and Bernstein.

On Friday night, it was home to a definitive performance in honor of Susquehanna University's Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Susquehanna University alumni and faculty from across the country filled all 2,804 seats, packing the historic music hall for one of the most special nights in the university's 150-year history.

"The reality began to sink in when you walked by Carnegie Hall -- one of the most prestigious performance halls in the world -- and saw Susquehanna University' on the marquee," said Jane Seaberg, associate director of communications. "That was a pretty awesome feeling."

Cyril M. Stretansky, Susquehanna University director of choral activities, and Jennifer Sacher Wiley, associate conductor, led Friday night's two-hour-long performance. More than 300 university performers took the stage for five moving pieces, including Susquehanna's alma mater.

"I think Friday (was) a symbolic night for what many have known about Susquehanna all along -- it's an institution that has made great strides over history," Seaberg said.

After the singing of the alma mater, Susquehanna University President L. Jay Lemons gave a welcome speech.

"Some among us traveled cross country to this performance," he said. "For all who have gathered in this hallowed place, the overwhelming desire to be here, in my view, speaks to our university's goodly heritage... Indeed, we are all blessed for the privilege of sharing in the Susquehanna family.

"Tonight we find ourselves marking an anniversary that calls us to give thanks for the women and men who have shaped Susquehanna and the hearts and minds of generations of students."

At the end of the night, the audience rose to its feet in a rousing and emotional round of applause

"It was a very proud moment for the university and for all the players involved," Seaberg said, after the performance.