George Mason University's Center for the Arts

Leon Botstein, conductor

Brahms: Serenade No. 1, op. 11, D major
INTERMISSION
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), op. 55, E-flat major

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “a new concept in orchestras,” this innovative orchestra curates its thematic programming around the visual arts, literature, politics, and history, while unearthing rare classical gems. Founded in 1962 by legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski, the American Symphony Orchestra was conceived to showcase extraordinary American musicianship through “concerts of great music within the means of everyone.” Celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, this esteemed ensemble appears under the baton of its longtime Music Director Leon Botstein, an ardent advocate for reenergizing seldom-performed music. This captivating program opens with Brahms’ Serenade No. 1, Op. 11 in D major and also features Beethoven’s bold and heroic Eroica Symphony No. 3, Op. 55 in E-flat major. “Under Mr. Botstein, the orchestra brought clear, light textures to the variegated score.” (The New York Times)

Based on legendary Carnegie Hall concerts of the 1930s, Dr. John & The Lower 911 and the Blind Boys of Alabama join forces as icons of American music for a rousing night of jazz, blues, and gospel music. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dr. John is the living embodiment of New Orleans’ musical heritage. This keyboard master played with the royalty of rock before breaking out on his own and developing “The Night Tripper” persona. He dazzles audiences everywhere with his blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, R&B, psychedelic rock, and Creole. Legends of gospel music, The Blind Boys of Alabama first raised their voices together over 70 years ago and are celebrated for their remarkable longevity, diverse repertoire, and a stunning collection of achievements: five Grammy Awards, a Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction, a National Endowment of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and performances for two U.S. presidents. This fantastic concert is a joy for music fans of all ages.

Listen to Dr. John here:

Visit the Blind Boys of Alabama Website.

Visit Dr. John's Website.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife;” and so begins this revered literary work by one of Britain’s great authors. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of this masterpiece, America’s premier radio theater company brings Jane Austen’s glorious novel Pride and Prejudice to life with this rich adaptation by Cristina Calvit. Set in the English countryside, the story navigates through the intricacies of marriage, manners, and morals among polite British society as it follows the Bennets, a family of five daughters and their meddlesome mother. At the heart of this cherished story is the turbulent courtship between the spirited and independent Elizabeth, who wishes to marry for love, and the arrogant but honorable Mr. Darcy. Broadway and television veterans Jane Carr and Nicholas Hormann join this talented cast as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Experience this classic as never before through the live radio drama format of this esteemed Los Angeles company.

Jim Pfiffner, University Professor, Public Policy

The Constitution provides that the president nominates the major officers of the U.S. government; the Senate must then confirm nominations before they take office. What was once a relatively simple process has become a... click here to read more

Who is Jim Pfiffner?

Sponsored by ROTC Patriot Battalion.  Lt. Gen (R) Kicklighter will speak.  RSVP to msmith43@gmu.edu or 703.993.2709.

For more information about the George Mason University Office of Military Services and other “Mason Honors the Military Week” events, read on.

The Office of Military Services would like to extend a sincere thank you for your service to our Nation and Mason. I hope you will join us in continuing Mason’s commitment to veterans and active duty by celebrating “Mason Honors the Military Week” in recognition of Veterans Day.  Please see the list of activities below.  From the somber and touching National Roll Call to the exciting tailgate party, “Hoopla” event for the first home basketball game against UVA, there is really something for everyone! New this year, come participate in an unforgettable experience called the Mason Paper Project. Guest artists will help transform our old military uniforms into creative paper art collections. The event week concludes with a Veteran Resume Workshop featuring industry expert, Lisa Rosser.

Mason Remembrance Wall – Nov. 1 – 12
Posted in the JC North Plaza, near the clock tower.  All students, staff, and faculty are invited to write messages on the wall.

Mason Paper Project – Nov. 7 – 11
Military uniforms will be shredded and turned into paper for art projects.  All participants will receive a keepsake and may contribute to a group project, to be displayed in the Office of Military Services.
• Office of Military Services – Johnson Center, room 245 – for more info contact us at military@gmu.edu or 703.993.1316.

VETS  for NETS (Mason Hoopla) – Nov. 9
The Office of Military Services will have a table at Mason Hoopla to celebrate and tailgate the first Men’s Basketball home game.  Vets for Nets t-shirts will be given away and student veterans are invited to sit in a group section.  Catering by Hard Times Café.
• 5 – 7pm, Parking Lot A

Veterans Day Luncheon – Nov. 9
Sponsored by ROTC Patriot Battalion.  Lt. Gen (R) Kicklighter will speak.  RSVP to msmith43@gmu.edu or 703.993.2709.
• 11:45am – 1:30pm, Center for the Arts, Concert Hall Lobby

American Freedom Festival – Nov. 10
Rock bands Chicago and Kansas will perform in the evening, Veterans Career Fair will be held before.  Both events at Patriot Center.
• Career Fair: 9am – 3pm (FREE)
• Concert: 7:30pm
• Discounted tickets for student veterans available here. Enter code: MILITARY

National Roll Call – Nov. 12
Mason will participate in the National Roll Call, held in the JC Atrium. All service members killed in current conflicts will be honored.

Veterans Resume Workshop – Nov. 13
Get advice from the experts! Lisa Rosser, founder of The Value of a Veteran and Laura Winkler, Manager of Industry Advising with Mason Career Services, will lead this interactive workshop to help translate military-related skills on a resume to relevant skills in the civilian work place.
• SUB 1, room A – 4:30-5:45pm

The George Mason University School of Music, Fairfax Law Foundation & Prince William Bar Foundation present 

JAZZ 4 JUSTICE

2 Concerts 2 Chances

$15 students, faculty, staff, seniors and groups
$20 adults

In a spectacular new production, these dynamic warriors from the Far East bring the mind-blowing skill, exhilarating movement, and sparkling imagery of the ancient art of Kung Fu to the stage. Performed by devoted disciples of the Shaolin schools in China, these monks are recognized throughout the world for their fierce martial arts prowess and tremendous self-discipline. From an early age, they undergo strenuous training in meditation, relaxation techniques, and rigorous physical exercise to focus their minds and bodies. Voices of the Masters showcases the diversity of this unique art form, and provides a glimpse into the daily life of these Kung Fu masters and their Zen philosophy. This performance of demanding skill and rich artistry is one for the whole family to enjoy. “An eye-filling evening of ancient legends, ritual ceremonies, and wondrous acrobatics.” (Washington Times)

View the translated Shaolin Warriors herald (PDF).

The upcoming Mason Symphonic Band and Mason Percussion Ensemble concert is definitely one to mark in your calendars! Directed by Professor Jennifer Lappleand Professor John Kilkenny respectively, these ensembles are really bringing musical excitement to the Center for the Arts. The Symphonic Band's program spans from the 19th to 21st centuries to include the ever popular music of Tchaikovsky and Milhaud through to some of the best music being written for bands today.  

Those who like to be on the cutting edge of music will especially love the performances by members of the Mason Percussion Ensemble.

$5 students, faculty, staff, seniors and groups
$10 adults

Ken Woods, guest conductor
Benjamin Beilman, violin

BEETHOVEN: Overture to Coriolan, Op. 62
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 2
BEETHOVEN: Violin Concerto

All Masterworks performances are at 8:00 p.m., with a pre-concert lecture at 7:00 p.m.

Program and artists subject to change.

 In his second “concert with commentary” of the season, Jeffrey Siegel delves into the aural delights of Claude Debussy, the renowned French composer whose dreamy, beautiful music evokes vivid and sensuous imagery. For more than four decades, this brilliant pianist has earned critical acclaim for enchanting countless fans with his immense talent, sparkling wit, and rich and insightful commentary on the great composers in the classical canon. Celebrate Debussy’s 150th birthday with the colorful Fireworks, the tender Girl with the Flaxen Hair, the humorous Homage to Samuel Pickwick, and the “orgiastic” Isle of Joy.

This Grammy Award-winning ensemble rings in the holiday season with their elegant and majestic Christmas concert. A Chanticleer Christmas is a glorious musical evening, and a longstanding holiday tradition at the Center for the Arts, with performances of ancient hymns, venerated sacred works, traditional European and American carols, and delightful holiday favorites. Encompassing music from across centuries and genres, the 12 illustrious male voices have been compared to the great choirs of Europe, and audiences everywhere are enchanted by their unmatched vocal technique, rich melodic sound, and expansive vocal repertoire. Their Christmas concert has been performed at concert halls across the country for the past 30 years, and has become a hallmark of the holiday season. “With their flawless pitch, great spirit, and wide-spread musical curiosity, Chanticleer is America’s a cappella pride and joy.” (classics.com)

View the Chanticleer Blog here.

Virginia Opera presents this delightful tale of mistaken identities, practical jokes, elegant frivolities, intoxicating revelry, and plenty of freely flowing champagne. This is Strauss’s most celebrated and beloved work, and it features some of the most captivating music ever written. The story follows Gabriel von Eisenstein, who faces a short prison term, as his wife Rosalinde is pursued by a former flame. Meanwhile, Dr. Falke invites everyone to a magnificent party as part of an elaborate scheme to exact revenge on Eisenstein for a youthful prank. This offers the cunning Rosalinde an opportunity to catch her womanizing spouse in the act. On the night of the party, bafflement and hilarity ensue. This deliciously provocative work captures the height of indulgent 19th century Viennese society and is filled with gorgeous waltzes, sophisticated humor, and memorable melodies sung by the glorious voices of the Virginia Opera. Sung in English with English supertitles.