Highland Performing Arts Summer 2025 Music Series

The Highland Performing Arts Series invites the community to experience a variety of musical performances, building on a local legacy that blends tradition with a new vision. With a lineup that spans genres and generations, the summer 2025 season promises an inspiring mosaic of live music for audiences of all ages.

The Summer Series

The Highland Performing Arts Series was created to present musical concerts and events featuring local, national, and international artists, while providing enriching experiences for both the Highland congregation and the surrounding community. The series represents the merging of two long-standing traditions at Highland Presbyterian Church.

The Dorothy Rose Smith Concert Series, founded in 1999, commemorated the church’s acquisition of its Wicks Pipe Organ and honored Dorothy Smith’s 29 years as Director of Music. This series brought outstanding organists and ensembles to Highland and regularly featured the church’s own Chancel Choir in large-scale works.

The Lemonade Concerts, born out of the Lancaster Opera Workshop in the mid-1970s, offered a relaxed and community-focused summer program showcasing local talent and emerging performers.

In 2024, these two beloved traditions were unified under the Highland Performing Arts Series banner. A newly expanded committee, including members from both previous series and the broader church community, now oversees a year-round program designed to preserve the artistic integrity of the past while embracing new audiences and diverse performances.

Mark your calendars for five exciting performances at Highland Presbyterian Church this summer!

June 11: The King’s Brass

7-9PM in the HPC Sanctuary

Founded by Lancaster County native Tim Zimmerman, this ensemble of nine Christian professionals specializes in brass, percussion, and keyboard. The group has provided innovative worship for over 25 years through their own arrangements of music ranging from Gabrieli and Handel to jazz spirituals, hymn classics, patriotic marches, and Christmas carols.

June 28: The New Holland Band

7-9PM in the HPC Sanctuary

The New Holland Band traces its origins to 1829, when it began as a fife and drum corps for the 51st Regiment of the PA State Militia, later reorganizing after the Civil War and again after WWII. Now recognized as the second-oldest community band in the U.S., it includes professional and amateur musicians as well as college and high school instrumentalists from diverse backgrounds. Under the direction of Fred Hughes, the band continues its long-standing tradition of musical service to the region.

July 10: John Darrenkamp and Friends

7-9PM in the HPC Sanctuary

Beloved local baritone John Darrenkamp returns to the stage, joined by a talented ensemble of friends, for an unforgettable evening of vocal artistry. With a distinguished career spanning 22 years and nearly 500 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Darrenkamp brings a wealth of experience and passion to every note. His musical journey began at just 13 as a soprano soloist, eventually leading him from the Lancaster Opera Workshop to the Academy of Vocal Arts and the New York City Opera. Sharing the spotlight with him are Brenten Megee, Matt Robinson, Heidi Shannon, Christyan Seay, Amy Yovanovich, and Maggie Riker.

July 24: Rizzetta’s Tones

7-9PM in the HPC Sanctuary

Rizzetta’s Tones is a Celtic Americana band featuring two hammered dulcimers, silver flute, high and low whistles, guitar, and melodions, often joined by over 15 instruments including accordion, bouzouki, mandolin, autoharp, ukulele, and various percussion. All members contribute lead and backing vocals on songs that range from heartfelt to humorous, blending music from Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., and beyond.

August 14: Vocal Harmonix

7-9PM in the HPC Sanctuary

Vocal Harmonix is a dynamic community of women from Lancaster, Berks, and York who unite through their love of music, friendship, and lifelong learning. They perform throughout the year at local events and compete annually in the Region 19 chorus competition, held each spring in Lancaster, PA. In 2022 and 2023, they proudly represented their region at the International level, earning 4th place in Division A at Harmony Classic, a testament to their dedication and musical excellence.

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