When Debra Ronning retired from her music faculty position at Elizabethtown College, she wanted to stay connected to music. A deacon at Donegal Presbyterian Church, Ronning also wanted to contribute to her congregation. So in 2021, she created Music at Donegal, a three-concert series of free performances that are open to the public.

"It has been a musical ministry outreach for the surrounding community," Ronning said. "Having performed in many Lancaster area church concert series, it seemed like a logical outcome to start Music at Donegal. Our beautiful historical setting and lovely piano and organ were the perfect setting for performances."

Music at Donegal is held at Donegal Presbyterian Church, 1891 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy.

Founded in 1721, Donegal Presbyterian Church shares an ancestral heritage with a church in Rathneeny, Ireland. The "witness tree" that once stood on the grounds was the spot where church members met in 1777, when George Washington sent a message asking for men to muster and travel to Philadelphia for the Revolutionary War effort. The tree had to be cut down in 1991 due to disease, but the congregation used its wood to make offering plates; bowls; bells; and more, including the organ case.

While the guests vary annually, the concert series sticks to a theme, Ronning said.

"The performers are mainly from the southcentral PA area," she noted. "We offer a Christmas concert, a classical/chamber concert and a Celtic-Scots/Irish concert to celebrate our historical roots."

The series will kick off on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. with a performance by the Donegal Choir, who will perform Christmas music. The concert will feature guest artist Luke Harnish.

"Luke will present a solo recital of varied Christmas repertoire," Ronning commented. "He is a bass-baritone who is from the Lancaster area and is currently performing throughout the United States."

Praised for his "luxuriant baritone" and "securely produced bass," Lancaster native Harnish is quickly establishing himself as a versatile operatic and concert performer with companies including Sarasota Opera, Nashville Opera, The Atlanta Opera and Santa Fe Opera.

The second concert will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. It will feature "An American Tapestry" from tenor Christian Seay and mezzosoprano Amy Yovanovich.

"They are both well known for their outstanding vocal artistry," Ronning said.

The Celtic concert will take place on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m.

"The ever-popular Rizzetta's Tones will perform in our fellowship hall," Ronning shared. "Their instrumentation includes 'fraternal twin' dulcimers, high and low whistles and vocals."

While all of the concerts are free to attend, a freewill offering will be received. For more information on the concert series, contact ChurchOffice@donegalpc.org.