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Purdue Varsity Glee Club Returns to Syracuse on April 17

Purdue Varsity Glee Club

Purdue Varsity Glee Club Brings Over a Century of Musical Excellence to Syracuse

Chautauqua-Wawasee is proud to welcome back the Purdue Varsity Glee Club for a special performance on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Wawasee High School Auditorium.

This return performance continues a cherished tradition, bringing one of the nation’s most celebrated collegiate vocal ensembles back to the Syracuse community for an evening of outstanding musical artistry.

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1893

Founded in 1893, the Purdue Varsity Glee Club has built and maintained its reputation as the nation’s premier collegiate glee club for more than 130 years. Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conductor Erich Kunzel once declared them “still the number one Glee Club in the country.”

The ensemble’s distinguished history includes performances at six presidential inaugurations, appearances at Carnegie Hall, and concerts at venues across the United States and abroad. As musical ambassadors for Purdue University, members of the Glee Club represent a wide range of academic disciplines while balancing rigorous studies with an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

Under the direction of William E. Griffel and Scott Hines, the ensemble performs an eclectic repertoire that includes gospel, jazz, contemporary selections, classical works, and patriotic music, often enhanced by their signature vocal arrangements.

Featured Ensembles and Musical Variety

The April 17 concert will feature the full Purdue Varsity Glee Club along with four specialty ensembles, each offering its own distinctive sound:

  • BaNaNa

  • Flashbacks

  • Roots

  • Top of the Class

These groups bring a range of styles to the stage.  Come enjoy 1950s nostalgia and barbershop classics to contemporary vocal jazz, creating a dynamic and engaging concert experience.

Event Details and Tickets

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Location: Wawasee High School Auditorium
1 Warrior Path, Suite 1
Syracuse, IN 46567

Tickets:

General Admission
$25.31 (incl. $3.31 Fee)
Reserved Seats Rows 1-4
$33.85 (incl. $3.85 Fee)
Student Admission
$12.51 (incl. $2.51 Fee)
*Sales end on Apr 16, 2026

Tickets are available now and may be purchased through Eventbrite by clicking HERE. They may also be purchased at the door, for your convenience.

For more information about the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, click HERE.

As an added treat…

There is a ticketholder discount for dining at the Pier & Back Porch Restaurant! Save your tickets to the Purdue Varsity Glee Club performance.  Before the concert on the night of April 17th, a 15% discount will be extended to event ticketholders at the Pier and Back Porch restaurant in the Oakwood Resort.

* The 15% discount will not be valid on any purchases of alcoholic beverages and is only applicable on regularly priced menu items.  Digital copies of tickets will be accepted when shown to your server.  

About Chautauqua-Wawasee

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a volunteer-driven local nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching community life through high-quality programming in the arts, education, faith, and recreation. The organization continues the historic Chautauqua mission of bringing people together across generations through experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain. Learn more HERE.

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Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule

Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule

Discover the Chautauqua Wawasee 2026 Program Schedule, a full year of inspiring events celebrating Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation in the Syracuse and Lake Wawasee community. This year’s lineup blends beloved traditions with new programs designed to inform, entertain, and connect.

Program Schedule Highlights for 2026

The ever-popular Purdue Varsity Glee Club Performance returns on April 17, filling the spring air with music, harmony, and school spirit.

In July, our Famous Hoosier Series will feature Ralph Teetor. If you missed this film and discussion in 2024 at the Pickwick Theater, mark your calendar for July 28 when it returns to Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Our growing Arts Programs continue to expand in 2026 with hands-on workshops. Included in the lineup are Pottery, Stained Glass Mosaics, Pour Paint, and Plein Air Painting. These offerings support our ongoing goal of establishing our region as a true Artists’ Destination.

And since our Patriotic Speaker Series features a new historical figure each year, we’re especially excited to announce that George Washington will be our featured guest in 2026. His engaging reenactment will bring America’s early days to life through storytelling and character portrayal.

Returning Favorites

You’ll see the return of crowd favorites like the Pawasee Dog Parade, Taps Across the Water, Old Fashioned Christmas, and our Historic Cruises — all programs that continue to bring joy, connection, and tradition to our community year after year.

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and make 2026 a year to remember with Chautauqua Wawasee. You can always find the most up-to-date information on all of our programs on the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page. You can also check the Chautauqua-Wawasee calendar of events.

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Purdue Varsity Glee Club

Purdue Varsity Glee Club is Coming to Syracuse in 2024!

Chautauqua-Wawasee is bringing the Purdue Varsity Glee Club to Syracuse on March 1, 2024, for their only performance in northeastern Indiana during the first half of 2024. Don’t miss the fun provided by this entertaining and vibrant performance at the Wawasee High School.

An event for the entire family — This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes, and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show.

As an added treat, there is a ticketholder discount for dining at the Pier & Back Porch Restaurant! Save your tickets to the Purdue Varsity Glee Club performance.  Before the concert on the night of March 1st, a 15% discount will be extended to event ticketholders at the Pier and Back Porch restaurant in the Oakwood Resort. 

* The 15% discount will not be valid on any purchases of alcoholic beverages and is only applicable on regularly priced menu items.  Digital copies of tickets will be accepted when shown to your server.  

When: March 1, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Where: Wawasee High School auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: $22 for General Admission; $30 for VIP seating (middle rows A-D)
Purchase tickets: HERE,  or you may also give us a call at 574-377-7543

About Chautauqua-Wawasee
Oakwood Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Chautauqua-Wawasee, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on providing life-enriching programs with cultural, educational, and recreational events to the Kosciusko community and northern Indiana.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for information and updates on our programs!

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