George Mason University's Center for the Arts

The School of Art exhibitions and lectures are free.  

For additional information, call 703-993-8950 or email Solomon Wondimu at  swondimu@gmu.edu.

The support the School of Art, please call 703-993-4749 or email Kate Leeds-Brody at kleeds@gmu.edu.

The School of Art exhibitions and lectures are free.  

For additional information, call 703-993-8950 or email Solomon Wondimu at  swondimu@gmu.edu.

The support the School of Art, please call 703-993-4749 or email Kate Leeds-Brody at kleeds@gmu.edu.

The University Singers present Respighi’s Laud to the Nativity and
Mason Opera presents Menotti’s Amahl & the Night Visitors

The University Singers and Mason Opera presents “Christmas Voices,” a performance of Ottorino Respighi’s Laud to the Nativity and Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors. Both works, composed in the first half of the twentieth century, capture the timeless mystery and glory of Christmas. Respighi and Menotti were both inspired by medieval Italian paintings of the nativity and therefore drew together modern and traditional musical styles in their compositions. Vocal soloists, a chorus, and a small orchestra will bring this moving performance to the stage to get audiences in the Christmas spirit!

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

One of the most acclaimed ensembles of traditional music in Ireland, Danú brings a heartwarming and high-energy Celtic Christmas celebration to the Center for the Arts. Direct from County Waterford, this spirited band is known for its authentic interpretations, ebullient performances, and jaw-dropping talent. “A spirit raising concoction,” raves The Irish Times. For more than a decade Danú has been performing for a growing base of fans worldwide, demonstrating its mastery of traditional Celtic instruments complemented by breathtaking vocals. Bring the whole family to experience this spectacular holiday concert featuring traditional Irish songs spanning many centuries. “A vibrant mix of virtuosity, energy, and empathy.” (The Washington Post)

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.

Gabriella Petrick, Associate Professor, Nutrition and Food Studies

Iceberg lettuce has not always been the most consumed green leafy vegetable in the United States. The development of large-scale lettuce production in California’s Salinas Valley illustrates the tensions between technology and nature and... click here to read more

Who is Gabriella Petrick?

By John Patrick
Directed by Sarah Morrissey
 
An upbeat comedy with colorful characters and, well, a ridiculous story. Myra, a Hollywood actress, sets out to find some “real” people and live a “real” life. She soon discovers that, no matter where you are, people are the same - a little crazy. You’ll be laughing and on the edge of your seat as Myra has to find a way to prove her innocence for a murder she did not commit.

$10 students, faculty, staff, seniors and groups
$15 general admission

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

Featuring hits from their acclaimed album — touted by Broken Records Magazine as “a fascinating, innovative wonder” — Rockapella returns to our stage with a rockin’ concert of classic carols and holiday tunes, both funky and soulful, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. From barbershop to Glee, unaccompanied vocal music has long fascinated people around the world. Ever since this a cappella powerhouse first captivated audiences with the unforgettable television theme song “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” they’ve stood apart as one of the world’s most sophisticated and lasting of the popular vocalist ensembles. They have traversed the globe, enchanting young and old alike with their remarkable harmonies, breathtaking vocal percussions, and signature full-band sound. Audiences of all ages love their winning humor, style, and artistry as they perform a refreshing combination of soul, rock, R&B, and jazz.

View the Artist's Website.

James Dick, piano

ROSSINI: Overture to La Gazza Ladra
TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No. 1
TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6

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.

After having such a wonderful time at last year’s performance, the Mason School of Music is bringing back the Messiah Sing-Along! The Mason Symphony Orchestra and combined choruses with featured soloists will perform selections from Handel’s time-honored work.  Do you have a hard time sitting quietly during the choral sections you know and love? Bring your score or purchase one at the event for $10. We encourage audience members to sing along to make this a fun, interactive evening! You won’t want to miss this seasonal favorite!

$5 students, faculty, staff, seniors and groups
$10 general admission

Shahin Najafi, the most famous songwriter/musician of Iran in exile. Live in Concert during his first North American Tour.

Tickets:
$35, $45, $55, $65

Directed by James Gardiner

Stephen Sondheim is considered by many to be the greatest composer/lyricist of the American musical. With works including Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, West Side Story and many more, he’s left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. Come hear Mason Cabaret pay tribute to the unparalleled genius of Stephen Sondheim.

Mason Cabaret is an educational performance company from George Mason University. Proceeds support students pursuing a Certificate in Musical Theater as part of their undergraduate degree in Theater at Mason.

December 12th at 8:00 pm at:
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, located at:
8900 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031

Click the BUY TICKETS button below for tickets to the Dec. 12 performance.

Tickets for the Dec. 17 performance are only available at the door.

A second performance will held on December 17 at Signature Theatre in Arlington:
4200 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Virginia 22206

Tickets for the Signature Theatre performance are available at the door, cash and check only. Please do not contact the Signature box office for this event. Reservations may be made at theater@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2195.

Click here to read more.

Nothing evokes the joy and magic of the Christmas season quite like the celestial voices of these extraordinary Austrian youngsters. In this special holiday concert, the Vienna Boys Choir presents a musical evening of Christmas spirit, performing everything from Gregorian chant and traditional Christmas carols to popular holiday favorites and songs from around the world. They have charmed audiences worldwide with their rapturous harmonies, purity of tone, pleasing repertoire, and charming demeanor. “The angelic voices of this most famous vocal group are ageless.” (Salt Lake Tribune) This celebrated choir has been synonymous with fine choral music for over half a millennium and has collaborated with some of the great composers, such as Mozart and Bruckner; Franz Schubert was himself a chorister. This is truly an enchanting evening of music for the entire family.

Visit the Artist's Website.

Two of Spain’s premiere string ensembles present an evening of exquisite Christmas music, performing fresh and familiar carols interpreted through the intricate and velvety sounds of classical guitar. Known the world over as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” The Romeros were founded in 1960 by the legendary soloist Celedonio Romero with his three teenage sons. Today, the quartet continues his legacy of virtuosity as Celedonio’s sons and grandsons traverse the globe, performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the White House, and the Vatican, and entertaining such luminaries as Pope John Paul II, HRH Prince Charles, and King Juan Carlos I of Spain. “One of the enduring mysteries of musical talent is how skills seem to flow genetically from parent to child. In The Romero family the flow has been swift and unimpeded.” (The New York Times) Joining The Romeros is Concerto Málaga, a 13-piece string ensemble that has brought its sophisticated interpretations of Spanish music to audiences around the world under the baton of conductor, and celebrated viola and viola d’amore soloist, Massimo Paris.

Hear more music samples from this project.

Experience a traditional Leahy family Christmas — a time for friends and family, joyous song, lively dance, and storytelling that lasts well into the night. This delightful family of musicians and dancers performs a festive blend of time-honored Celtic melodies and treasured Christmas carols, along with some of their signature hits. Even their young children take the stage to join in the festivities and to show off the marvelous talent that has touched every generation of this remarkable family. Described by the Buffalo News as “fresh, vibrant, and engaging,” these eight musical siblings grew up playing music on their family farm, exploring their Irish-Scottish roots while perfecting their many musical talents. They have since captivated awestruck fans the world over with their mastery of the fiddle, ferocious step-dancing, and effervescent spirit. “Leahy makes Christmas a true family affair!” says the Calgary Herald. We couldn’t agree more.

Directed by James Gardiner

Stephen Sondheim is considered by many to be the greatest composer/lyricist of the American musical. With works including Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, West Side Story and many more, he’s left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. Come hear Mason Cabaret pay tribute to the unparalleled genius of Stephen Sondheim.

Mason Cabaret is an educational performance company from George Mason University. Proceeds support students pursuing a Certificate in Musical Theater as part of their undergraduate degree in Theater at Mason.

December 17th, 8:00 pm at:
Signature Theatre
4200 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Virginia 22206

Tickets for the Signature Theatre performance are available at the door, cash and check only. Please do not contact the Signature box office for this event. Reservations may be made at theater@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2195.

In 1993, Moscow Ballet toured the Great Russian Nutcracker for the first time across North America to critical acclaim. Directed and choreographed by Stanislav Vlasov, former soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet and well known as a “Grand Dance Artist,” the inaugural six-week tour traveled to major cities across the U.S. and starred principal ballerina Lillia Sabitova. It also featured the innovative rolling backgrounds, first created by a St Petersburg Conservatory of Music producer, and which were the inspiration for Eisenstein’s cinematic technique. 2012 celebrates the 20th anniversary of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!

Anthony Maiello, conductor

Northern Virginia’s own American Festival Pops Orchestra comes home for the holidays with a dazzling celebration that is sure to warm the hearts and brighten the Christmas spirits of the entire family. This joyful program features the AFPO Holiday Brass Quintet, a special guest narration of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," and festive favorites including "The Holly and the Ivy," "Jingle Bell Rock," and Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride." For the past three seasons, this brilliant ensemble has delighted audiences with its lively interpretations of classic pops music, and has already established a loyal following. Under the baton and leadership of Anthony Maiello, the orchestra comprises some of the most talented musicians in the greater D.C. area. Capture the holiday spirit with this evening of traditional holiday music complete with an audience sing-along!