Celebration of Life for Alan Harler

On Sunday, April 12th, 2026, surrounded by Mendelssohn Chorus Singers and Alumni, we presented a tribute event celebrating the extraordinary life of Alan Harler. At the above link, you can view a recording of this presentation, featuring performances by Mendelssohn Chorus, as well as speeches and dedications by former students, colleagues, and family.

This recording is free and available for all - we encourage all viewers to consider donating to the Alan Harler New Ventures Fund - this fund was created to honor previous artistic director Alan Harler’s legacy of commissioning new work and presenting adventurous programming. MCP commissioned and premiered 58 works under Maestro Harler; the New Ventures Fund provides an avenue for patrons to continue supporting MCP in undertaking provocative choral programming, including major commissioned works and innovative collaborations.

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For nearly three decades, Alan served as the beloved Artistic Director of the Mendelssohn Chours of Philadelphia, guiding our organization through a period of extraordinary growth and artistic achievement. His vision transformed us from a frequently overlooked part of Philadelphia's history into a thriving, relevant, and innovative force in our city's cultural fabric.

Alan was far more than a gifted conductor and teacher—he was a visionary who understood that music's greatest power lies in its ability to connect us to our deepest humanity. His commitment to commissioning and premiering new works, including 58 compositions during his tenure, demonstrated his belief that the choral art must continually evolve while honoring its rich traditions. Whether conducting a Bach cantata or premiering a contemporary masterpiece, Alan possessed the remarkable gift of revealing the intrinsic beauties within each work and evoking them from every musician under his direction.

Those who knew Alan will remember not only his intelligence and skill, but his kindness, generosity, integrity, and gentle good humor. In a world where many artists are known for forceful egos, Alan embodied remarkable humility. As one reviewer beautifully noted, "Alan Harler is a musician serving music by serving other musicians and the music-loving public." His legacy lives on in the thousands of people who were transformed by both his music and his humanity.