George Mason University's Center for the Arts

Hansel and Gretel

Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this timeless German masterpiece is at once delightful and haunting! In this modern take on the tale set in 21st century America, the young Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods to look for strawberries, but cannot find their way home as night approaches. Scared and hungry, they come upon an abandoned carnival and are trapped by the evil witch who dwells within – until the clever and brave Gretel saves them! This magical story charms children with its visions of sweets, mystical woodland creatures, and an eerie and enchanting forest – and adults are entranced by its beautiful and sophisticated score by Engelbert Humperdinck. Sung in English and German with English supertitles

For tickets to Sunday's 2:00 pm matinee, click here.

Mostly Totally Mozart!

Performing Scenes from:
- Don Giovanni
- Die Zauberflote
- Cosi fan Tutte
- Le Nozze di Figaro
- La Clemenza di Tito

Adults: $15
Students/Seniors: $10

I Believe in Christmas

“The most celebrated new bluegrass act of the past few years,” raves The New York Times about this phenomenal twosome whose music career has been on fire ever since joining forces in 2007. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent have had two albums debut at #1 on the Billboard charts, won a combined 13 International Bluegrass Music Awards, 17 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Awards, received a 2011 Grammy nomination, and are widely praised from audiences and critics alike for their impeccable vocal arrangements, flawless performances, and breathtaking two-part harmonies. They are often compared to such legendary duos as Bill and Charlie Monroe, Ralph and Carter Stanley as well as the Statler Brothers, to whom they paid tribute with their award-winning album, Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers. “This immensely talented duo breathes new fervor into this collection of chart toppers with lovely, inventive harmonies and masterful bluegrass arrangements.” (Bluegrass Unlimited)  We welcome the return of these amazing musicians in a concert of holiday favorites.

Hansel and Gretel

Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this timeless German masterpiece is at once delightful and haunting! In this modern take on the tale set in 21st century America, the young Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods to look for strawberries, but cannot find their way home as night approaches. Scared and hungry, they come upon an abandoned carnival and are trapped by the evil witch who dwells within – until the clever and brave Gretel saves them! This magical story charms children with its visions of sweets, mystical woodland creatures, and an eerie and enchanting forest – and adults are entranced by its beautiful and sophisticated score by Engelbert Humperdinck. Sung in English and German with English supertitles

Linda Monson
Director, Keyboard Studies; School of Music

Is there a way to effectively teach certain concepts in both music and math through an investigation of the common elements in these two seemingly diverse disciplines? Music, which incorporates emotion, expression and creative spontaneity, also emphasizes patterns, logic, order, structure and form. And while some characterize mathematics as rational and abstract--emphasizing numbers and calculations--mathematicians realize the inherent beauty and elegance in working out proofs. Furthermore, the creativity realized in tackling complex mathematical problems might indeed be similar to the creativity involved in composing or performing a complex musical work. Dr. Monson’s lecture will demonstrate many similarities and connections between music and mathematics that can be taught in the classroom setting including concepts of consonance and dissonance, tuning, Fibonacci numbers, and the relationship of the golden ratio to musical climax in composition. Arguing that both should be taught as complementary disciplines rather than opposing cultures, she will illustrate these corresponding concepts by performing musical examples at the piano.

This event is scheduled from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Featuring:
Lisette Armstrong
Jermie Arnold
Adam Hilkert
Natalie Higgins, horn soloist

Adults: $15
Students/Seniors: $10

$5.00 Cover Charge and light refreshments served

Anthony Maiello, conductor

In the past three seasons, this immensely talented ensemble has thrilled audiences with its outstanding interpretations of pops music and now joins us for a spirited holiday performance. Under the baton and leadership of Anthony Maiello, who also serves as the Associate Director of Mason’s School of Music, the American Festival Pops Orchestra features 60 of the finest musicians from the D.C. area. This season, AFPO comes home for the holidays with a joyous performance at the Center for the Arts featuring Christmas carols and holiday tunes sure to strike a nostalgic chord with friends young and old.  Don’t miss this program of timeless classics including Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”; Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”; “The Holly and the Ivy”; “The Christmas Song”; “Oh Holy Night” and a jubilant holiday sing-along, led by Maestro Maiello, that is sure to warm your heart and brighten your spirit.

Adults: $15
Seniors: $10
Students: $7

The Winter Show

Known for his quintessential impressionistic style, George Winston emerged onto the music scene in the 1980s with a collection of seasonal-themed recordings that quickly found an eager audience. George Winston’s distinctive melodic style, which he calls “rural folk piano,” was influenced by his early years in Montana, as well as the music of great New Orleans R&B pianists. While he is best known as a pianist, he is also accomplished on solo guitar and harmonica. In this beautiful holiday concert, Winston presents an evening of exquisitely enchanting music that is sure to evoke the spirit of the season.

For this holiday performance, please join us in support of a local Washington area food bank by bringing a donation of canned food to the concert. Mr. Winston will also be donating a portion of the artist’s proceeds from his CD sales to the food bank. 

Mason Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Dennis M. Layendecker, Conductor

University Chorale
Dr. Lisa A. Billingham, Director

University Singers
Dr. Stanley Engebretson, Director

Women’s Chorale
Prof. Mary Ann East, Director

Bring your own score and join us for a spectacular evening of joyful song!

Adults: $10
Students/Seniors: $5

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker tells the beloved Christmas story of the girl who falls in love with a Nutcracker Prince - with Russian flair. Praised by the NY Times as "thrilling and expansive," the 40 impeccably trained Russian dancers leap, spin and lunge as you have never seen before. Audiences love the Christmas party with magical toys, battles with an evil Mouse King and a journey through the glittering Snow Forrest. Unique to Moscow Ballet productions, Russian folk characters Father Christmas and the Snow Maiden escort Masha (Clara) to the Land of Peace and Harmony where she and the Nutcracker Prince are honored by emissaries from heritages the world over; African, Russian, Asian, European and Hispanic. Set to Pytor Tchaikovsky's famous score, Moscow Ballet's production features lavish costumes, nine hand-painted backdrops with 3-D ornamentation and fanciful, larger-than-life puppets designed by a Russian master. A must see show for everyone in the family this holiday season!

Click here to view the Great Russian Nutcracker video.
(This video may take a few seconds to load, depending on your internet connection speed).

"Knock-out dancer, thirlling" NY Times; "Aristocratic" Plain Dealer, "Breathtaking" Charleston Today

"Spellbinding" San Francisco Stark Insider; "Astounding!" DC ionarts.com

Tickets range from $28 - $88.
A limited number of VIP* seats are available for $122.

*VIP tickets come with a souvenir pack (patrons pick up the pack day of show); Bring voucher! Souveniir Pack includes: Tote bag, official Moscow Ballet book, CD, poster, Membership card entitling cardholder to discounts in our online store.

Twinderella: The Musical

The World Mission Youth Orchestra (WMYO) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to engage, educate, increase musical knowledge and foster music awareness within the Washington D.C. region. We are actively creating symphony orchestras, concert groups and ensembles of young musicians residing in the D.C. Metropolitan Area. WMYO’s vision for young musicians is to create a learning environment of quality music knowledge. Through the program, student’s musical skills and talents and their walk with Christ will grow. The 2011 Fall Semester will come to an end with the students demonstrating the tremendous growth they have accomplished in music and in their personal spiritual lives. Please feel free to join us in a night of praise, worship, and classical music as we share the love of music and the love of Christ with you.

Tickets:
Adults - $30, $50,
Students (age 7 - 18) - $15

Special Discounts:
Group discount of 20% available via the Center for the Arts Box Office ONLY.
This discount is not available online or via Tickets.com

Presented by International New Praise Academic Support Society (INPASS)

Christmas in Cape Breton

The Center is thrilled to welcome the return of virtuoso Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster to take us on a musical sleigh ride through Nova Scotia at Christmastime with this spirited performance of traditional and contemporary Celtic melodies, and Christmas carols. Fiddling fireworks and ferocious step dancing accentuate her lively performances, helping make MacMaster one of Canada’s most captivating performers. “MacMaster’s a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion.” (Los Angeles Times) This Grammy-nominated artist plucked her first fiddle at age 9, and has since captivated audiences around the world with her signature sound that spans genres, combining Celtic, bluegrass, folk, and contemporary acoustic sounds with jazz, rock, and even classical music. “A confident bandleader, a versatile fiddler, an electrifying step-dancer, and above all, a performer who definitely knows how to work a crowd.” (Dirty Linen)

This event is scheduled from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Fiesta Navidad

“A festival of sound and color.” (Capital Times) This Grammy Award-winning ensemble brings a festive and joyful holiday performance that celebrates and honors the unique cultural traditions of Mexico. Born into a family of mariachi musicians in Jalisco, Mexico, Natividad “Nati” Cano formed Mariachi Los Camperos nearly 50 years ago and they have since emerged as a major driving force of the mariachi musical tradition worldwide. This talented group has recorded nine critically acclaimed albums, including four in the past 10 years with DC-based Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Their 2008 album “Amor, Dolor y Lagrimas” earned a Grammy award and last year Smithsonian Folkways released their first instructional DVD “The Sounds of Mariachi: Lessons in Mariachi Performance” Mariachi Los Comperos has made appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, the Grammy Awards Show, and in the “Sex and the City” movie, and has frequently collaborated with Linda Ronstadt. Titled Fiesta Navidad this dynamic program mixes traditional Mexican and American holiday songs with energetic dancing, authentic and vibrantly-hued costumes, and an audience sing-along.