The classical music calendar includes Lehigh University Choral Arts’ “Into the Unknown” and Moravian University’s “50th Anniversary of Early Music.”

“This concert celebrates not only the 50th anniversary of the early music program at Moravian University, but also the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country, the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” says Dr. Larry Lipkis, Moravian University Professor of Music and Composer-in-Residence.

Early Music Ensembles presents “Celebrate 50th Anniversary and America250,” 4 p.m. April 11, Peter Hall, Moravian University, Bethlehem.

“During my first year teaching at Moravian we had a ‘pre-ensemble’ with three students and in my second year, 1976, we established the Collegium Musicum with about eight or 10 instrumentalists and a few singers,” Lipkis says.

The Collegium Musicum has grown to include a mix of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

In 1992, the Mostly Monteverdi Ensemble was formed, consisting of vocalists and instrumentalists with the goal of introducing students to the performance practice of Renaissance and Baroque music.

In 2008, the instrumental group became the Baroque Ensemble concentrating on Baroque music.

The most recent addition came in 2015 with the introduction of the Weird Instrument Renaissance Ensemble consisting of krummhorns (early double-reed instruments) and gemshorns (pastoral wind instruments considered early members of the flute family).

The concert’s first segment consists of Colonial Era music from England and America with performance by each ensemble.

“After intermission, we invite alumni from any time period to come and join us for the second act,” explains Lipkis, adding, “Anyone who has participated in any of our four ensembles is welcome to perform.”

Thereafter, the audience is invited to participate in French Renaissance and English Country dancing.

“I encourage people to come help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Moravian University’s Early Music ensembles and the 250th anniversary of America. Our event is going to be very festive.” Lipkis says.

Early Music Ensembles, “Celebrate 50th Anniversary and America250,” 4 p.m. April 11, Peter Hall, Moravian University, 342 Main St., Bethlehem. Tickets: at the door; https://www.moravian.edu/music/concert-schedule

“Each of these choral sets is meant to take the audience on a journey into the unknown, both literally and figuratively,” says Liz Olson, Lehigh University Associate Director of Choral Activities.

Lehigh University Choral Arts presents “Into the Unknown,” 8 p.m. March 27, 28, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

Says Olson, “The Dolce Treble Choir explores the idea of stepping ‘into the unknown’ through the courage it takes to stand up for oneself and for others, reflecting the vulnerability and strength required to confront injustice, often without knowing what the outcome might be.”

Selections such as “Truth” by Andrea Ramsey reflects on self-acceptance; “Warrier” by Kim Bryluk addresses resilience, and Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Moring” symbolizes hope and personal freedom.

Through the works “In Meeting We are Blessed” and “When the Earth Stands Still,” the Glee Club “invites us to consider how a community grows, not in spite of its changing dynamics, but because of them, as individuals learn from one another and discover what it means to grow together,” says Olson.

Sarah Frook Gallo, Lehigh University Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, directs the Lehigh University Choir in “Cell’s Planets,” which relays the interconnection between microscopic life and cosmic structures; “Sing, My Child,” finding hope, beauty and strength in daily life, and “Trilo,” a Swedish folk song about longing for someone at sea.

Lehigh University Choral Arts, “Into the Unknown,” 8 p.m. March 27, 28, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, 420 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem. Tickets: box office; 610-758-2787, ext. 0; https://zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com