Center for the Arts 2017-2018 Great Performances at Mason Season Brochure by Center for the Arts

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON The Best of the Performing Arts

A season full of music, dance, theater, opera, and much more. Subscribe today by choosing any three or more events.

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2017/2018 SEASON

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George Mason University’s Center for the Arts

2017/2018 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON The Best of the Performing Arts

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Come discover inspiring performances by some of the world’s finest artists when they come to Northern Virginia for another exciting season of Great Performances at Mason. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts provides a convenient, world-class venue for top-tier talent and events for the whole family—all at surprisingly affordable prices. Season highlights include a special evening with Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, the vibrant sights and sounds of the Festival of South African Dance, a toe-tapping holiday concert with Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, creative dance companies such as Pilobolus and BalletBoyz, a 50th Anniversary Concert with The King’s Singers, a Sherlock Holmes mystery, four fullscale operas by Virginia Opera, and so much more!

The earlier you subscribe, the better your seats.

The Hot Sardines page 16

2 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

Subscribing to Great Performances at Mason

THE SUBSCRIBER ADVANTAGE Our subscribers enjoy many advantages over other ticket holders, like better seats, discounts, and more. Choose any three or more performances, and you can, too!

SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE: > Better Seats > Savings of Up to 25% > Free Ticket Exchanges

Doug Varone and Dancers page 8

> Personalized Service > Discounts All Season Long

TWO SUBSCRIPTION PLANS Great Performances at Mason Series Choose from nine different series grouped by genre—get maximum savings and higher seating priority (turn to page 20).

Choose-Your-Own Series Create your own personalized series by choosing any three or more performances—the more you choose, the more you save (turn to page 5). Turn to page 18 to learn all about subscribing.

Tickets for individual events go on sale August 1. Until then tickets are available only as part of a subscription.

Quality Time with the Family Youth Discount: Half Price for Children and Youth Children and youth through grade 12 qualify for half-price tickets for any Great Performances at Mason event. See “Important Subscriber Information” on the order form insert for details.

Family Friendly Performances Those events we deem as most suitable for families with younger children to enjoy together are identified by this Family Friendly symbol. ff

The More You Know, The More You Enjoy Pre-Performance Discussions These lively forums begin 45 minutes prior to most Great Performances at Mason events and are led by a local expert or sometimes by the artists themselves! See “Important Subscriber Information” on the order form insert for details.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Special Event: Kelli O’Hara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Choose-Your-Own Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Holiday Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Subscribing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Magnificent Music Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dynamic Dance Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Global View Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 American Echoes Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Enthralling Theater Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Virginia Opera Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Keyboard Conversations Series . . . . . . . . . . . 26 All Music Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 All Dance Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ARTS by George! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Support the Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . 29 College of Visual and Performing Arts . . . . . . 30 Student Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 3

SPECIAL EVENT

KELLI O’HARA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 8 P.M. This performance is part of the ARTS by George! benefit

Tony Award winner and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara performs a radiant concert of Broadway favorites, pop classics, and great American standards. O’Hara, who was named “Broadway’s golden girl and luminous star” by The New York Times, has unequivocally established herself as one of the great leading ladies, starring in The King and I, The Light in the Piazza, South Pacific, and The Pajama Game. A trained opera singer, she has also appeared on the Metropolitan Opera House stage and in a recent performance of Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas, The New York Times praised her “gleaming voice” and “majestic clarity.” Talented student musicians from Mason’s School of Music will perform alongside O’Hara for one number. Don’t miss this dynamic entertainer who will perform melodies from your favorite Broadway musicals with her signature “angelic vocals,” (The Daily Free Press). $100, $85, $60

Please note: Tickets to ARTS by George! and the Kelli O’Hara concert are not available as part of a subscription package or at a discount. Great Performances at Mason subscribers may purchase tickets for this performance now. Others may purchase tickets starting August 1. See page 28 for details about the benefit.

4 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN SERIES

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 7 P.M.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

A Bernstein Birthday Bash Piano virtuoso and exceptional storyteller Jeffrey Siegel celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with piano transcriptions of famous songs from West Side Story, his intimate Anniversaries, and music of two composers who most influenced him, Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue) and Copland (El Salon Mexico). A perennial favorite at the Center for the Arts, Jeffrey Siegel makes newcomers feel welcomed while enhancing the enjoyment of seasoned classical music lovers. “Jeffrey Siegel has everything: massive technique, musical sensitivity and character, wide tonal resources, immense reserves of power, and the ability to communicate” (Los Angeles Times). An interactive Q&A will conclude this program. ff KC $42, $36, $25 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON SERIES KEY MM Magnificent

Music Dynamic Dance GV Global View AE American Echoes ET Enthralling Theater

Virginia Opera Keyboard Conversations AM All Music Series AD All Dance Series VO KC

ff = Family Friendly performances

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 8 P.M.

Festival of South African Dance

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 AT 4 P.M.

Aquila Theatre

Featuring the Gumboots and Pantsula Dance Companies

Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

Direct from Johannesburg, South Africa, two dynamic dance companies share the stage for a pulsating, rhythm-filled evening of urban street dance. Featuring 20 dancers with live musicians, the Gumboots and Pantsula Dance Companies use dance to respond to cultural and political issues in their communities by conveying real-life stories of hard work, human struggles, and longing for a better life. Wearing wellington boots, Gumboots dancers urgently pound the floor in a popular dance originally conceived by South African miners who used foot tapping to communicate underground when talking wasn’t allowed. Pantsula is rooted in urban street culture and uses the sounds of busy city life, house music, and technical dance moves akin to hip-hop and breakdancing to express social problems in hopes of spearheading change. ff GV AD

Jane Austen’s beloved novel about the two Dashwood sisters is brought to life by one of the foremost producers of classical theater. Set in the English countryside at the close of the 18th century, Sense & Sensibility revolves around the lives of the levelheaded Elinor and the hopelessly romantic Marianne. Following the unexpected death of their father, the sisters and their widowed mother must leave their comfortable family estate, which has been left to their half-brother, and move into a modest cottage. In a time when options for women are limited, the only hope for these two sisters is a profitable marriage. Austin’s classic tale—in which seduction, courtship, love, and heartbreak abound—is told with the signature boldness and spirit of this esteemed company. ET

$50, $43, $30

$44, $37, $26

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OCTOBER – NOVEMBER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 8 P.M.

Pilobolus Shadowland

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 2 P.M.

Virginia Opera

Samson and Delilah Virginia Opera opens its 26th season with the epic French opera Samson and Delilah by Camille Saint-Saëns, dramatizing the wellknown Biblical story of a legendary Israelite warrior (Samson) who is seduced and then betrayed by a Philistine woman (Delilah). The final act features the famous “Bacchanale,” a showpiece where pleasure-seeking Delilah leads a feverish dance to tempt Samson. Paul Curran masterfully stages this passionate opera featuring acclaimed tenor Derek Taylor (Samson) and talented mezzo-soprano Katharine Goeldner (Delilah). Though it was not performed for 15 years after it was composed due to its sensual subject matter, Samson and Delilah is one of the most frequently performed French operas today. Sung in French with English supertitles. VO $110, $90, $54

Pilobolus returns with an exhilarating new evening-length work—a narrative that depicts the surreal dream world of a young girl on the verge of self-discovery. Combining an ingenious use of multimedia, projected shadow play, and acrobatic dance, this theatrical event follows a teenage girl who longs for independence as she falls asleep and journeys into the land of shadows. Shadowland was conceived in collaboration with Steven Banks, lead writer for the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, and it is set to rhythmic original music by musician/composer David Poe. This awardwinning company continues to break down barriers between different creative disciplines through its collaborations as it explores ways of using the body as a graphic and expressive medium. The company has toured the world extensively and has appeared on countless television shows including Oprah, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the Academy Awards, and 60 Minutes. “Grace meets physical agility to create movement that is as lyrical as it is astonishing,” says the Sunday Oregonian. ff

$48, $41, $29

6 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT 8 P.M.

Tango Buenos Aires The Spirit of Argentina Take a journey to this South American country through the passion-filled dance and music that embody The Spirit of Argentina. One of Argentina’s greatest cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires is considered the most authentic tango ensemble performing today. The dancers dazzle with sensual moves and playful drama, while the musicians entice with melodies of romance and nostalgia. This program traces the evolution of tango through the classic music compositions of Carlos Gardel, a central figure in the history of tango, and his collaborations with composer Astor Piazzolla. The Spirit of Argentina showcases the breadth of styles and gamut of emotions that have made tango the cultural phenomenon that it is. “Crafted swirling, fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings” (The Washington Post). GV AD $50, $43, $30

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 8 P.M. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 AT 2 P.M. AND 8 P.M.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT 7 P.M.

Direct from the People’s Republic of China

The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin China Soul

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

A French Musical Feast!

One of China’s finest troupes of its kind, these talented artists show off their superior skills in acrobatics, circus acts, illusions, and martial arts. Accompanied by traditional Chinese music, more than one-hundred performers take the stage in a spectacle of acrobatic stunts, feats of balance, juggling acts, contortion tricks, and martial arts that are guaranteed to dazzle and delight audiences. The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin is a favorite of audiences throughout the world, has won numerous awards including the Silver Clown Award, and has several of its acts performing with some of the most renowned circuses in the western world. Perfect for the whole family! ff GV

In his second concert of the season, Jeffrey Siegel plays a delicious musical feast for the ears—gorgeous music of Debussy including the ever popular Clair de lune and sensuous Isle of Joy, Ravel’s beloved Pavane for a Dead Princess and dazzling The Fountain, as well as Fauré’s enthralling Impromptu. For more than four decades, this brilliant pianist has earned accolades for enchanting audiences with his artistry, wit, and insight and this Keyboard Conversations® program of distinctively French musical delights is no exception. “…a pianist with a bravura technique and a big, gorgeous sound…and when the artist himself offers the inside scoop, the musical experience becomes vastly more personal” (The Denver Post). An interactive Q&A will conclude this program. ff KC

$50, $43, $30

$42, $36, $25

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NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 8 P.M.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 AT 7 P.M.

Doug Varone and Dancers

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT 8 P.M.

in the shelter of the fold Aquila Theatre

featuring Mason Dance Company

Chanticleer A Chanticleer Christmas

Aquila Theatre sheds new light on this tragic story by William Shakespeare. Recognized by many as his greatest and most popular play, Hamlet is a compelling tale of familial conflict, personal ambition, love, and revenge. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play centers on Prince Hamlet and his pursuit for vengeance against his uncle, Claudius, who murdered his own brother—Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet. Claudius seized the throne and married King Hamlet’s widow. Guided by his father’s ghost, Prince Hamlet is driven to avenge this treason and from there ensues an epic drama replete with deceit, mistrust, and schemes. Four centuries after its premiere, Hamlet remains one of the classics of the world stage and Aquila Theatre’s signature physical style honors this masterpiece with a stellar production that is “beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect” (The New Yorker). ET

This award-winning contemporary dance company makes its first appearance at the Center in more than a decade in a performance that showcases daring physicality, impeccable choreography, and expansive artistry. The New York-based Doug Varone and Dancers is universally praised for “thrilling, mesmerizing work” (The Village Voice). This performance includes Varone’s latest piece, in the shelter of the fold, which contemplates faith and belief as well as coping, realization, and choice. This 40-minute work comprises episodic, standalone vignettes, one of which features the remarkable dancers from Mason’s School of Dance. Founded in 1986, the company has been awarded an impressive 11 Bessies (New York Dance and Performance Awards) while amassing an impressive body of work, which includes collaborations in theater, opera, and film, making it one of the most respected dance companies working today. “If this work and these dancers can’t move you, I don’t know what would” (Dance Magazine). DD AD

$44, $37, $26

$48, $41, $29

$55, $47, $33

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

8 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

“The world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker) kicks off the holiday season at the Center for the Arts with a beautiful concert of a capella music that includes gorgeous seasonal classical pieces as well as holiday favorites. Chanticleer is renowned for the seamless blend of 12 male voices ranging from countertenor to bass with their superior technique, sublime tone, and unparalleled musicality. Their original interpretations span period and genre—from Gregorian chant to jazz, popular, and contemporary music. The group, which has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for its “tonal luxuriance and crisply etched clarity,” has a long list of impressive achievements: sales of more than a million albums, two Grammy® Awards, being named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008, and induction in the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Begin the Christmas season with this beautiful holiday concert. MM AM

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT 2 P.M.

Virginia Opera

The Girl of the Golden West Virginia Opera continues its season with Giacomo Puccini’s magnum opus, The Girl of the Golden West (La fanciulla del West), considered the first “spaghetti western.” Set during the California Gold Rush of 1849, this Italian opera is Puccini’s take on the rough and tough Wild West and features familiar themes of unrequited love, jealousy, betrayal, redemption, and changing fate. The story follows Minnie, a gun toting saloon owner of the Polka Saloon. Minnie is the object of desire for all of the whiskey-guzzling and card-playing patrons of her establishment, but Minnie rebuffs the cowboys and golddiggers and instead falls head over heels for a mysterious stranger who might just be a wanted highway bandit in disguise. This thrilling Western melodrama is vividly brought to life under the direction of Virginia Opera’s beloved Lillian Groag. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. VO $110, $90, $54

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 8 P.M.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas Two of Canada’s brightest stars, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, marry their exceptional talents in this festive evening of lightning-fast fiddling and lively step-dancing. This husband and wife duo captivates the audience with their unmistakable chemistry as they perform foot-tapping rave-ups, heartfelt ballads, and remarkable step dancing. In their newest program, A Celtic Family Christmas, they are joined onstage by talented musicians and their whole family to recreate all of the warmth and joys of a typical Christmas in their home on Cape Breton Island. “Dual fiddle wizardry…amazing synergy,” raves the Intelligencer Journal. Celebrate the holidays as they share their traditions in song, dance, and stories by the fire. ff GV $55, $47, $33

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8 P.M.

American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season Celebrate the Christmas season with Northern Virginia’s very own pops orchestra in its annual family concert of cheerful carols and cherished holiday tunes. This jovial evening includes a program of sentimental favorites including Leroy Anderson’s festive “Sleigh Ride,” and culminates in a rousing sing-a-long in which the audience gets a chance to share in the experience. Under the baton of founder and artistic director Anthony Maiello, these talented musicians from the greater D.C. area perform favorites that are guaranteed to fill you and your family with holiday warmth and merriment. ff AM AE $55, $47, $33

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DECEMBER – FEBRUARY

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 7 P.M.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 AT 8 P.M.

The Birdland All-Stars

Dublin Irish Dance

Featuring Tommy Igoe

Stepping Out

One of the finest choral ensembles in the world makes its traditional visit to the Center for its glorious vocal celebration of Christmas. Always a highlight of the Center’s holiday season, this concert features cherished carols, pop favorites, and sacred hymns sung with the purity and excellence of these talented young boys—all between the ages of 10 and 14. This internationally renowned choir has stood the test of time since its founding in 1498 and continues to share its “bright, light voices through the centuries” (The New York Times) with the world. Don’t miss this heartwarming concert, perfect for the holiday season! ff MM AM

Follow the evolution of Celtic culture in Stepping Out, a high-energy extravaganza of sights and sounds presented by Dublin Irish Dance. These accomplished Irish step-dancers and musicians take us on a journey, exploring the history of the Celtic cultural experience through song and dance. This entertaining production reveals influences that have shaped Irish music and dance throughout history: from the farms of rural Ireland in the 1800s, to the Great Famine and the mass migration to New York, where Irish and American cultures blended and influenced each other. This production features the fast footwork of talented Irish step-dancers, an eight-member traditional Irish band, and a vocalist—many of whom have performed with internationally famous Irish ensembles like Riverdance, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Woman. ff GV AD

Direct from New York’s legendary Birdland, this extraordinary band brings a fine mix of jazz, funk, Brazilian, Latin, and world music together. Featuring the city’s finest musicians and led by drumming sensation Tommy Igoe, the Birdland All-Stars have been packing the house every Friday night at “The Jazz Corner of the World” for the past 10 years. For this tour, they have created new arrangements featuring music of David Bowie, The Police, and Steely Dan, as well as fresh interpretations of iconic works by Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, and Herbie Handcock. Tommy Igoe is one of today’s most successful and diverse drummers, having performed with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Art Garfunkel, New York Voices, and Stanley Jordan. He also helped create the drum set book for Broadway’s The Lion King. Don’t miss this “completely unique experience... there isn’t another band like this anywhere” (Time Out New York). AE AM

$55, $47, $33

$50, $43, $30

$48, $41, $29

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 2 P.M.

Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna

10 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 8 P.M.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Muscular men wearing tutus and dancing en pointe with flawless technique? It must be the worldwide dance phenomenon, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company, affectionately known as the “Trocks,” performs a full range of ballet and modern dance repertoire in faithful renditions as you’ve never seen it before. Portraying both male and female roles, these highly trained dancers are delightfully earnest in their efforts, complete with the humor of intentional foibles and accidents that keep audiences rolling in the aisles. This company was founded in New York in 1974 by a small group of ballet enthusiasts as a playful parody of traditional ballet. They immediately attracted the attention of the press and the Trocks were off and pirouetting. Whether this is your first time at a dance performance or your 1000th time, you will be delighted and entertained. DD AD $50, $43, $30

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 8 P.M.

Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra Stefan Solyom, conductor Gunilla Süssman, piano

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 8 P.M.

TAO

Smetana: “Šárka” from Má Vlast (My homeland) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Drum Heart

One of Sweden’s oldest orchestras, the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) presents a dynamic concert of cherished orchestral works. Under the direction of Stefan Solyom, the orchestra performs a thrilling concert featuring works by Smetana, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. Piano virtuoso Gunilla Süssman joins the orchestra to perform Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto. The HSO has performed at many prominent European venues, including three recent sold-out performances at the Great Festival Hall in Salzburg and in Vienna. MM AM

Drum Heart, TAO’s newest production of taiko drumming, is a heart-pounding experience like no other that is guaranteed to thrill the whole family. The thunderous sights and sounds of these powerful, athletic performers dressed in stunning costumes playing instruments and fiercely striking drums is a spectacle to behold. TAO is celebrated for its precise choreography filled with energy and stamina, and is the first professional taiko company to include female performers in this traditionally male-dominated art form. Critics describe the company members as “extraordinarily talented percussion artists, and they’re seductive, alluring performers” (Chicago Tribune). ff GV

$60, $51, $36

$50, $43, $30

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FEBRUARY – MARCH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AT 2 P.M.

Virginia Opera

A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare’s iconic 15th century language meets Benjamin Britten’s 20th century inventive and enchanting music in this delightful opera about love, forgiveness, and the power of dreams. A domestic dispute between the king and queen of fairies spills into the human realm, creating chaos as the stories of three couples and a troupe of amateur actors collide with hilarious results. Nothing is what it seems as fairies, “rude mechanicals,” and moonstruck young lovers spend a single, magical night in the forest. Adam Turner conducts this opera’s lush dynamic score while many Virginia Opera favorites—soprano Heather Buck (Titania), baritone Matthew Burns (Bottom), and tenor David Blalock (Lysander)—return to perform in this comic tour de force. Sung in English with English supertitles. VO $110, $90, $54

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 8 P.M.

BalletBoyz This all-male powerhouse from Great Britain has cemented its reputation as one of today’s most inventive modern dance companies with revolutionary programming, and innovative new works. The athletic dancers of BalletBoyz present Serpent, a seamless work that becomes “a never-ending stream of beautiful movement” (The New York Times), choreographed by Liam Scarlett and set to the haunting music of Max Richter’s Memoryhouse. The company also performs Fallen, a work featuring a fluidly martial quality resembling the Brazilian martial art capoeira. Choreographed by Russell Maliphant and set to powerful music by French film composer Armand Amar, Fallen won an award for Best Modern Choreography in the 2013 National Dance Awards (London). Both works feature acclaimed lighting by Michael Hulls which has been called “a character in itself” (The Sydney Morning Herald). “Dance at its most riveting and fearless” (The Independent). DD

$48, $41, $29

12 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 AT 8 P.M.

The Big Picture David Krakauer and The 35mm Orchestra Step into a musical and cinematic voyage as this renowned clarinetist along with this jazzinspired orchestra explores themes of identity, place, and resilience. Celebrated clarinetist David Krakauer and The 35mm Orchestra reimagine the music and visuals of some of the most important films in history, featuring scores by Academy Award and Grammy®winning composers such as John Williams, Marvin Hamlisch, Randy Newman, and Mel Brooks. While these groundbreaking music arrangements are playing, a series of new animated films created by the New York video company Light of Day is projected on a screen behind the performers. Don’t miss an evening of “enlivening panoramas with emotive exuberance” (All About Jazz). AE AM $44, $37, $26

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9 AT 8 P.M.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 AT 8 P.M.

Formosa

Walnut Street Theatre

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 AT 7 P.M.

Madcap mastermind, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo), reinvents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 classic mystery into a hilarious romp about everyone’s favorite detective and his most infamous case. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being murdered one by one, and Sherlock Holmes, along with his trusted sidekick Dr. Watson, must work feverishly to crack the mystery of the curse before it dooms the newest heir. With only five energetic actors playing the roles of more than 40 quirky characters, this production from America’s oldest theater takes the audience on a sidesplitting caper through the Devonshire moors, crowded railway stations, foggy London streets, and gloomy baronial mansions where the duo searches for clues, runs into dead ends, and puzzles out the truth for the shockingly funny conclusion. ET

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

$44, $37, $26

$42, $36, $25

Virtuoso Variations Explore the virtuoso Variations of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Chopin in Jeffrey Siegel’s third mesmerizing performance of the season. Listen to Beethoven’s humorous Variations on God Save the King, Mendelssohn’s deeply affecting Variations, Op. 54, and the 17-yearold Chopin’s imaginative flourishes on the popular melody “La ci darem la mano” from Mozart’s Don Giovanni while learning more about these 18th and 19th century musical masters. “His performances were expressive and full of passion…This is an artist who means every note he plays” (The New York Times). An interactive Q&A will conclude this program. ff KC

“Formosa!” 16th century Portuguese sailors exclaimed when they saw a verdant island, thick with mountains and trees, rising out from the sea off the coast of China. Formosa, or Beautiful Island, was later renamed Taiwan. Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, led by pioneering choreographer Lin Hwaimin, uses this legend as inspiration for its latest evening-length work. Using luminous projected images of Chinese characters as a visual backdrop and music by award-winning indigenous singer Sangpuy, dancers move with unparalleled grace to share the story of abstract beauty born of land and lore. For more than forty years, the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan company has thrilled audiences with its inventive blend of Qigong, martial arts, modern dance, and ballet to celebrate Asian culture and aesthetics. “No company in the world dances like Cloud Gate. It presents a distinct and mature Chinese choreographic language (Dance Europe). This tour is made possible by the grants from the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). DD

$50, $43, $30

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MARCH – APRIL

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 AT 2 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 AT 8 P.M.

Moscow Festival Ballet

Swan Lake

Russia’s finest young string ensemble, the Russian String Orchestra returns to the Center with its acclaimed virtuosity, high energy, and warmth. Under the baton of founder and music director, Misha Rachlevsky, the ensemble is recognized internationally for its quality, depth, and the variety of its repertoire. This program exemplifies the ensemble’s versatility by playing works ranging from Mendelssohn’s popular Octet for Strings to works by contemporary composers. The Russian String Orchestra has met critical acclaim including the Critics Choice in London’s Gramophone and Critics Choice in The New York Times. MM AM

The exquisite dancers of the Moscow Festival Ballet showcase the traditions of Russian grand ballet in this performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece. Inspired by a fairy tale, Swan Lake follows the story of Odette, a beautiful princess who falls victim to a spell cast by an evil sorcerer. Celebrated for its stunning choreography by Petipa and Ivanov and, of course, its sublime score, this crown jewel of classical ballet continues to earn adulation from audiences worldwide. The esteemed Moscow Festival Ballet Company, founded in 1989 by legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet Sergei Radchenko, brings together the best of Russian ballet. “The dancers of the Moscow Festival Ballet spoke to the soul through the body.” (Post and Courier) The whole family will enjoy this stunning full-scale production complete with elaborate sets and beautiful costumes. ff DD AD

$50, $43, $30

$56, $48, $34

14 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

SUNDAY, MARCH 18 AT 2 P.M.

Moscow Festival Ballet

Cinderella Fifty graceful dancers from this worldrenowned ensemble perform a ballet for the whole family. Cinderella is based on the well-known fairy tale about the kind but mistreated step-daughter and step-sister who is forbidden to attend the royal ball. When her fairy godmother magically appears, Cinderella’s fate is wondrously transformed. With enchanted melodies, opulent costumes, lavish scenery, hilarious physical comedy, and highly-skilled dancers, this performance is a family friendly treat for all to enjoy. ff AD $56, $48, $34

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SATURDAY, MARCH 31 AT 8 P.M.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 AT 8 P.M.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 8 AT 2 P.M.

L.A. Theatre Works

Virginia Opera

The Mountaintop

Bria Skonberg, trumpet/singer

Lucia di Lammermoor

Named as a Millennial “Shaking Up the Jazz World” by Vanity Fair, Canadian singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg joins Mason’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a swinging evening of fresh beats and brassy standards. Music Director and alto sax virtuoso Jim Carroll leads this distinguished ensemble comprising some of the metro area’s finest jazz musicians in this sensational concert. The orchestra is joined by the multitalented Skonberg, whose soulful, sultry voice and impressive trumpet dexterity fuses modern pop with jazz. In 2016, she released a debut LP of original compositions titled BRIA showcasing her extensive range from the bluesy instrumental “Down the Deep” to the Brazilian-flavored “How Can It Be.” The Wall Street Journal called Skonberg one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation,” and she was recognized in 2016 as one of “25 for the Future” by DownBeat magazine. ff AE AM

The Virginia Opera concludes its season with the most famous of all bel canto operas, Gaetano Donizetti’s tragic Lucia di Lammermoor. This intense tale of starcrossed lovers revolves around two feuding Scottish families, the Ravenwoods and the Lammermoors. Lucia di Lammermoor loves Edgardo Ravenwood, but when her brother’s political activity put him at odds with the king, he decides to reestablish his family’s status by forcing Lucia into an arranged marriage that culminates in the most spectacular mad scene in all of opera. Metropolitan Opera soprano Rachele Gilmore makes her Virginia Opera debut in the title role of Lucia, a woman at her emotional breaking point. Complementing her as Edgardo is tenor Joseph Dennis, also in his Virginia Opera debut. Don’t miss this dramatic masterpiece of thwarted love and dashed expectations. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. VO

Fifty years ago, on April 3, 1968, after delivering his famously prescient speech, punctuated by the immortal line, “I’ve been to the mountaintop,” an exhausted Martin Luther King Jr. retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. By the following evening, Dr. King had been assassinated. In her provocative play, The Mountaintop, Katori Hall imagines what may have transpired between the legendary civil rights leader and a seemingly inconsequential hotel maid on the eve of his assassination when a storm rages outside. Winner of the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Play, L.A. Theatre Works applies its signature style, complete with sound effects made the “old-fashioned” way on stage, to this acclaimed and gripping play rife with humor, political jabs, and an intimate glimpse at Dr. King’s hopes, regrets, and fears. On this solemn anniversary, don’t miss this radio-style production of a contemporary play about this great man. ET The Mountaintop contains mature language.

$46, $39, $28

$110, $90, $54

$44, $37, $26

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 15

APRIL

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 AT 7 P.M.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 AT 8 P.M.

The King’s Singers 50th Anniversary Tour This acclaimed a cappella sextet offers a sublime performance of diverse and compelling vocal works. From Renaissance madrigals to contemporary, popular music, The King’s Singers is known for their extensive repertoire and strong command of varied styles. Consummate entertainers, the singers’ renditions are marked by immaculate intonation, vocal blend, diction, and incisive timing. At a recent concert, The Washington Post affirmed, “Their vocal production was effortless, stylistically varied and beautifully blended, even in the most complex polyphony.” Over the past fifty years, The King’s Singers has secured its place as “the superlative vocal sextet” (The Times, London). MM

$50, $43, $30

The Hot Sardines SUNDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7 P.M. “One of the best jazz bands in New York today” (Forbes) makes its debut at the Center where they transport the audience to New York speakeasies, Parisian jazz cabarets, and New Orleans jazz clubs. Acclaimed for their brassy arrangements, rollicking piano melodies, and smoky vocals, The Hot Sardines stand apart for the innovation, verve, and sheer joy they bring to music, both old and new. Pianist Evan “Bibs” Palazzo and singer “Miz Elizabeth” Bougerol, met in 2007 at a jazz jam session and bonded over their love for Fats Waller. Also influenced by such greats as Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday, they began playing small gigs, and by 2011, they were headlining Midsummer Night Swing at New York’s Lincoln Center. Recently, they have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and Montreal Jazz Festival, have sold out top NYC venues, toured from Chicago to London, and have released two critically acclaimed albums. AE AM $48, $41, $29

16 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

Bach and Chopin— A Musical Kinship Did you know that Bach was Chopin’s favorite composer? Become a classical music insider when virtuoso pianist and entertaining storyteller Jeffrey Siegel returns to our stage with a program exploring Bach’s influence on Chopin. Hear vivacious dances, dramatic Preludes, and romantic, improvisational Fantasies by both composers. Popular with classical music aficionados and novices alike, Siegel’s unique “concerts with commentary” format tells the story behind the music. “A first-class musician who can sketch and color with greatness” (The London Times). An interactive Q&A concludes this program. ff KC $42, $36, $25

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT 8 P.M.

Chanticleer A Chanticleer Christmas “The world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker) kicks off the holiday season at the Center with a beautiful concert of a capella music that includes seasonal classical pieces as well as holiday favorites. Grammy® Award-winner Chanticleer is renowned for the seamless blend of 12 male voices ranging from countertenor to bass with their superior technique, sublime tone, and unparalleled musicality. See page 8 for more information.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8 P.M.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 2 P.M.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

American Festival Pops Orchestra

Vienna Boys Choir

A Celtic Family Christmas

Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 8 P.M.

This husband and wife duo captivates the audience with their unmistakable chemistry as they perform foot-tapping rave-ups, heartfelt ballads, and remarkable step dancing. In their newest program, A Celtic Family Christmas, they are joined onstage by talented musicians and their whole family to recreate all of the warmth and joys of a typical Christmas in their home on Cape Breton Island. ff

Celebrate the Christmas season with Northern Virginia’s very own pops orchestra in their annual family concert of cheerful carols and cherished holiday tunes. This jovial evening includes a program of sentimental favorites including Leroy Anderson’s festive “Sleigh Ride” and culminates in a rousing sing-a-long, in which the audience gets a chance to share in the experience. ff See page 9 for more information.

Christmas in Vienna One of the finest choral ensembles in the world makes its traditional visit to the Center for its glorious vocal celebration of Christmas. Always a highlight of the Center’s holiday season, this concert features cherished carols, pop favorites, and sacred hymns sung with the purity and excellence of these talented young boys. This internationally renowned choir has stood the test of time since its founding in 1498. ff See page 10 for more information.

See page 9 for more information.

’tis the season ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 17

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2017/2018 SEASON GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON

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Better Seats, Savings Up to 25%, Free Ticket Exchanges, And More! SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE: > Prime Seats Priority for preferred seating assignments > Free Ticket Exchanges Exchange tickets without a fee > Great Savings Save up to 25% off > Discounts All Season Long Save 10% when purchasing additional tickets and pay no additional handling charges > Personalized Service An exclusive helpline for friendly one-on-one assistance > Parking Deck Vouchers Convenient parking vouchers available for purchase

18 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

TWO SUBSCRIPTION PLANS 1. GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON SERIES Maximum Savings / Best Seats Get the greatest savings and higher seating priority. There are nine different series that are grouped by genre (see pages 20 to 27). For example, the Magnificent Music Series offers five sublime musical concerts, and the Dynamic Dance Series offers a variety of contemporary and classical dance. Subscribe to as many as you like.

2. CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN SERIES Maximum Flexibility / Only Three or More Events Create your own personalized series by choosing only those events that you want (see pages 5 to 16). The more events you choose, the more you save. 3 performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save 5% 4 or 5 performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save 10% 6 to 9 performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save 15% 10 to 14 performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save 20% 15 or more performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save 25%

Dublin Irish Dance page 10

Backstage Notes Pre-Performance Discussions Most of our performances are preceded by a lively presentation led by local experts and sometimes by the artists themselves. These popular discussions are a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the performance you are about to see. Pre-Performance Discussions are held on Grand Tier III in a relaxed, conversational atmosphere 45 minutes prior to the performance. These discussions are sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts and are free for all ticket holders.

Parking Convenient, free parking is available in outdoor lots just a short walk away. Paid, covered parking is available in Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent to the facility.

Children and Youth Parents are the best judges of what is most appropriate for their children. However, due to the length and content of our performances, we recommend that children attending an event be at least six years of age. All children, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Youth Discount Youth through grade 12 qualify for halfprice tickets to all Great Performances at Mason events when accompanied by an adult. Adult companion is not required for students in grades 9–12.

IT’S EASY Simply choose any three or more events from the wide array of performances offered this season. There’s something for everyone — world-class theater, dance, opera, and music of all types.

Family Friendly Performances

PAYMENT PLAN

Concessions

Use our convenient plan to spread payments out over three months. See order form for details.

Many events are particularly suited for families to enjoy together with children and are designated as Family Friendly with this icon: ff

Before each performance and during all intermissions, beverages and light snacks are available for purchase. Beverages include wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water.

SUBSCRIBE NOW. GET THE BEST SEATS. Subscriptions are processed in the order in which they are received. To ensure you get the best seats, order your subscription today. Start right now by turning to the order form in center of this brochure, by calling 703-993-2787, or by visiting cfa.gmu.edu.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 19

MAGNIFICENT MUSIC SERIES

SAVE 20% Enjoy all 5 concerts for as little as $129 Series Prices: $216,$185,$129

Chanticleer

Vienna Boys Choir

A Chanticleer Christmas

Christmas in Vienna

“The world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker) kicks off the holiday season at the Center with a beautiful concert of a capella music that includes seasonal classical pieces as well as holiday favorites. Grammy® Award-winner Chanticleer is renowned for the seamless blend of 12 male voices ranging from countertenor to bass with their superior technique, sublime tone, and unparalleled musicality. See page 8 for more information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT 8 P.M.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 2 P.M.

Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra Stefan Solyom, conductor Gunilla Süssman, piano Smetana: “Šárka” from Má Vlast (My homeland) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 One of Sweden’s oldest orchestras, the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) presents a dynamic concert of cherished orchestral works by Smetana, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. Piano virtuoso Gunilla Süssman joins the orchestra to perform Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto. See page 11 for more information. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 8 P.M.

Russian String Orchestra Misha Rachlevsky, conductor R. Strauss: Serenade, Op. 7 Bekmambetov: For Misha’s Gang – Suite for small, regular, large and extra-large fiddles Schnauber: In Memory of Henry Tamianka Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings Russia’s finest young string ensemble, the Russian String Orchestra returns to the Center under the baton of founder and music director, Misha Rachlevsky. This program exemplifies the ensemble’s versatility by playing works ranging from Mendelssohn’s popular Octet for Strings to works by contemporary composers. See page 14 for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 AT 2 P.M.

The King’s Singers 50th Anniversary Tour From Renaissance madrigals to contemporary, popular music, The King’s Singers is known for their extensive repertoire and strong command of varied styles. Consummate entertainers, the singers’ renditions are marked by immaculate intonation, vocal blend, diction, and incisive timing. At a recent concert, The Washington Post affirmed, “Their vocal production was effortless, stylistically varied and beautifully blended, even in the most complex polyphony.” See page 16 for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 AT 8 P.M. 20 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

DYNAMIC DANCE SERIES

Pilobolus Shadowland Pilobolus returns with an exhilarating new evening-length work—a narrative that depicts the surreal dream world of a young girl on the verge of self-discovery. Combining an ingenious use of multimedia, projected shadow play, and acrobatic dance, this theatrical event follows a teenage girl who longs for independence as she falls asleep and journeys into the land of shadows. See page 6 for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 8 P.M.

Doug Varone and Dancers in the shelter of the fold featuring the Mason Dance Company This award-winning contemporary dance company makes its first appearance at the Center in more than a decade, showcasing Varone’s latest piece, in the shelter of the fold. This 40-minute work comprises episodic, stand-alone vignettes, one of which features the remarkable dancers from Mason’s School of Dance. The New York-based Doug Varone and Dancers is universally praised for “thrilling, mesmerizing work” (The Village Voice). See page 8 for more information. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 8 P.M.

SAVE 20% Enjoy all 6 performances for as little as $144 Series Prices: $239, $205, $144

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company, affectionately known as the “Trocks,” performs a full range of ballet and modern dance repertoire in faithful renditions as you’ve never seen it before. Portraying both male and female roles, these highly trained dancers are delightfully earnest in their efforts, complete with the humor of intentional foibles and accidents that keep audiences rolling in the aisles. See page 11 for more information.

BalletBoyz

Moscow Festival Ballet

This all-male powerhouse has cemented its reputation as one of today’s most inventive modern dance companies because of its revolutionary programming, innovative new works, and collaborations with cutting-edge talents. BalletBoyz, comprised of handpicked dance prodigies from Britain’s top dance schools, commands the stage and screen with its technical precision, athletic ability, and spectacular artistry. See page 12 for more information.

Formosa

See page 13 for more information.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 8 P.M.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 8 P.M.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Swan Lake The exquisite dancers of the Moscow Festival Ballet showcase the traditions of Russian grand ballet in this performance of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Inspired by a fairy tale, Swan Lake follows the story of Odette, a beautiful princess who falls victim to a spell cast by an evil sorcerer. Celebrated for its stunning choreography by Petipa and Ivanov and, of course, its sublime score, this crown jewel of classical ballet continues to earn adulation from audiences worldwide. See page 14 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 AT 8 P.M. ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 21

GLOBAL VIEW SERIES

SAVE 20% Enjoy all 6 performances for as little as $146 Series Prices: $244, $208, $146

Festival of South African Dance

The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin

featuring the Gumboots and Pantsula Dance Companies

China Soul

Accompanied by traditional Chinese music, more than one-hundred performers take the stage in a spectacle of acrobatic stunts, feats of balance, juggling acts, contortion tricks, and martial arts that are guaranteed to dazzle and delight audiences, The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin is a favorite of audiences throughout the world. This event is perfect for the whole family! See page 7 for more information.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 8 P.M.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 8 P.M.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

Tango Buenos Aires The Spirit of Argentina One of Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires is considered the most authentic tango ensemble performing today. This program traces the evolution of tango through the classic music compositions of Carlos Gardel, a central figure in the history of tango, and his collaborations with composer Astor Piazzolla. The Spirit of Argentina showcases the breadth of styles and gamut of emotions that have made tango the cultural phenomenon that it is. See page 6 for more information.

A Celtic Family Christmas This husband and wife duo captivates the audience with their unmistakable chemistry as they perform foot-tapping rave-ups, heartfelt ballads, and remarkable step dancing. In their newest program, A Celtic Family Christmas, they are joined onstage by talented musicians and their whole family to recreate all of the warmth and joys of a typical Christmas in their home on Cape Breton Island. See page 9 for more information. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 8 P.M.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT 8 P.M. 22 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

Dublin Irish Dance Stepping Out Follow the evolution of Celtic culture in this high-energy extravaganza of sights and sounds presented by Dublin Irish Dance. These accomplished Irish step-dancers and musicians take us on a journey, exploring the history of the Celtic cultural experience through song and dance, revealing influences that have shaped Irish music and dance throughout history. See page 10 for more information. SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 AT 8 P.M.

TAO Drum Heart Drum Heart, TAOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest production of taiko drumming, is a heart-pounding experience like no other that is guaranteed to thrill the whole family. The thunderous sights and sounds of these powerful, athletic performers dressed in stunning costumes playing instruments and fiercely striking drums is a spectacle to behold. See page 11 for more information.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 8 P.M.

AMERICAN ECHOES SERIES

American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season Celebrate the Christmas season with Northern Virginia’s very own pops orchestra in their annual family concert of cheerful carols and cherished holiday tunes. This jovial evening includes a program of sentimental favorites including Leroy Anderson’s festive “Sleigh Ride” and culminates in a rousing sing-a-long, in which the audience gets a chance to share in the experience. See page 9 for more information. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8 P.M.

The Birdland All-Stars featuring Tommy Igoe Featuring the city’s finest musicians and led by drumming sensation Tommy Igoe, the Birdland All-Stars have been packing the house every Friday night at “The Jazz Corner of the World” for the past 10 years. For this tour, they have created new arrangements featuring music of David Bowie, The Police, and Steely Dan, as well as fresh interpretations of iconic works by Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, and Herbie Handcock. See page 10 for more information.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 7 P.M.

SAVE 20% Enjoy all 5 concerts for as little as $115 Series Prices: $192, $165, $115

The Hot Sardines

The Big Picture David Krakauer and The 35mm Orchestra Celebrated clarinetist David Krakauer and The 35mm Orchestra reimagine the music and visuals of some of the most important films in history, featuring scores by Academy Award and Grammy®-winning composers such as John Williams and Marvin Hamlisch. While these groundbreaking music arrangements are playing, a series of new animated films created by the New York video company Light of Day is projected on a screen behind the performers. See page 12 for more information.

“One of the best jazz bands in New York today” (Forbes) makes its debut at the Center where they transport the audience to New York speakeasies, Parisian jazz cabarets, and New Orleans jazz clubs. Acclaimed for their brassy arrangements, rollicking piano melodies, and smoky vocals, The Hot Sardines stand apart for the innovation, verve, and sheer joy they bring to music, both old and new. See page 16 for more information. SUNDAY, APRIL 22 AT 7 P.M.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 AT 8 P.M.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra Bria Skonberg, trumpet/singer Named as a Millennial “Shaking Up the Jazz World” by Vanity Fair, Canadian singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg joins Mason’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a swinging evening of fresh beats and brassy standards. Music Director and alto sax virtuoso, Jim Carroll leads this distinguished ensemble comprising some of the metro area’s finest jazz musicians in this sensational concert. See page 15 for more information. SATURDAY, MARCH 31 AT 8 P.M. ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 23

ENTHRALLING THEATER SERIES

Aquila Theatre

Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

SAVE 20% Enjoy all 4 plays for as little as $84 Series Prices: $140, $120, $84

Walnut Street Theatre

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Madcap mastermind, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo), reinvents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 classic mystery into a hilarious romp about everyone’s favorite detective and his most infamous case. With only five energetic actors playing the roles of more than 40 quirky characters, this production from America’s oldest theater takes the audience on a sidesplitting caper. See page 13 for more

more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 AT 8 P.M.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 AT 4 P.M.

Aquila Theatre

Hamlet

by William Shakespeare Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, this play centers on Prince Hamlet and his pursuit for vengeance against his uncle, Claudius, who murdered his own brother—Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet. Four centuries after its premiere, Shakespeare’s Hamlet remains one of the classics of the world stage and Aquila Theatre’s signature physical style honors this masterpiece with a stellar production that is “beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect” (The New Yorker). See page 8 for more information.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 AT 7 P.M.

24 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

information.

L.A. Theatre Works

The Mountaintop Fifty years ago, after delivering his famously prescient speech, punctuated by the immortal line, “I’ve been to the mountaintop,” an exhausted Martin Luther King Jr. retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. By the following evening, Dr. King had been assassinated. In her provocative play, The Mountaintop, Katori Hall imagines what may have transpired between the legendary civil rights leader and a seemingly inconsequential hotel maid on the eve of his assassination. See page 15 for more information. SATURDAY, APRIL 14 AT 8 P.M.

VIRGINIA OPERA SERIES

Samson and Delilah

SAVE 15% Enjoy all 4 operas for as little as $184 Series Prices: $374, $306, $184

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Virginia Opera opens its 26th season with this epic French opera by Camille Saint-Saëns, dramatizing the well-known Biblical story of a legendary Israelite warrior (Samson) who is seduced and then betrayed by a Philistine woman (Delilah). Paul Curran masterfully stages this passionate opera featuring acclaimed tenor Derek Taylor (Samson) and talented mezzo-soprano Katharine Goeldner (Delilah). Sung in French with English supertitles. See page 6 for more information.

William Shakespeare’s iconic 15th century language meets Benjamin Britten’s 20th century inventive and enchanting music in this delightful opera about love, forgiveness, and the power of dreams. Adam Turner conducts this opera’s lush dynamic score while many Virginia Opera favorites—soprano Heather Buck (Titania), baritone Matthew Burns (Bottom), and tenor David Blalock (Lysander)—return to perform in this comic tour de force. Sung in English with English supertitles.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 2 P.M.

See page 12 for more information.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AT 2 P.M.

Lucia di Lammermoor

information.

The Virginia Opera concludes its season with the most famous of all bel canto operas, Gaetano Donizetti’s tragic Lucia di Lammermoor. This intense tale of star-crossed lovers revolves around two feuding Scottish families, the Ravenwoods and the Lammermoors. Metropolitan Opera soprano Rachele Gilmore makes her Virginia Opera debut in the title role of Lucia, a woman at her emotional breaking point. Complementing her as Edgardo is tenor Joseph Dennis, in his Virginia Opera debut. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. See page 15 for more information.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT 2 P.M.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 8 AT 2 P.M.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 25

KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® SERIES

SAVE 15% Enjoy all 4 concerts for as little as $84 Series Prices: $144, $124, $84

“…a pianist with a bravura technique and a big, gorgeous sound…and when the artist himself offers the inside scoop, the musical experience becomes vastly more personal” (The Denver Post)

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel Popular with classical music aficionados and novices alike, Jeffrey Siegel’s unique “concerts with commentary” format tells the story behind the music. An interactive Q&A concludes each program.

A Bernstein Birthday Bash

Virtuoso Variations

Mr. Siegel celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with piano transcriptions of famous songs from West Side Story, his intimate Anniversaries, and music of two composers who most influenced him, Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue) and Copland (El Salon Mexico). See page 5

Explore the virtuoso Variations of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Chopin in Jeffrey Siegel’s third mesmerizing performance of the season. Listen to Beethoven’s humorous Variations on God Save the King, Mendelssohn’s deeply affecting Variations, Op. 54, and the 17-year-old Chopin’s imaginative flourishes on the popular melody “La ci darem la mano” from Mozart’s Don Giovanni while learning more about these 18th and 19th century musical masters. See page 13 for more information.

for more information.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 7 P.M.

A French Musical Feast! In his second concert of the season, Jeffrey Siegel plays a delicious musical feast for the ears—gorgeous music of Debussy including the ever popular Clair de lune and sensuous Isle of Joy, Ravel’s beloved Pavane for a Dead Princess and dazzling The Fountain, as well as Fauré’s enthralling Impromptu. For more than four decades, this brilliant pianist has earned accolades for enchanting audiences with his artistry, wit, and insight and this program of distinctively French musical delights is no exception. See page 7 for more information. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT 7 P.M.

26 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 AT 7 P.M.

Bach and Chopin—A Musical Kinship Did you know Bach was Chopin’s favorite composer? Become a classical music insider when virtuoso pianist and entertaining storyteller Jeffrey Siegel returns to our stage with a program exploring Bach’s influence on Chopin. Hear vivacious dances, dramatic Preludes, and romantic, improvisational Fantasies by both composers. See page 16 for more information. SUNDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7 P.M.

ALL MUSIC SERIES

SAVE 25% Enjoy all 10 concerts for as little as $233 Series Prices: $382, $325, $233

Chanticleer

The Big Picture

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AT 8 P.M.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 AT 8 P.M.

A Chanticleer Christmas

See page 12 for more information.

American Festival Pops Orchestra

Russian String Orchestra

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8 P.M. See page 9 for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 AT 2 P.M. See page 14 for more information.

Vienna Boys Choir SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 2 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 AT 8 P.M.

See page 10 for more information.

Bria Skonberg, trumpet/singer See page 15 for more information.

The Birdland All-Stars

The King’s Singers

featuring Tommy Igoe

50th Anniversary Tour

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 7 P.M.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 AT 8 P.M.

See page 10 for more information.

Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra Stefan Solyom, conductor Gunilla Süssman, piano FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 8 P.M. See page 11 for more information.

Series Prices: $382, $325, $233

Misha Rachlevsky, conductor

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra

Christmas in Vienna

SAVE 25% Enjoy all 10 performances for as little as $233

David Krakauer and The 35mm Orchestra

See page 8 for more information.

Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season

ALL DANCE SERIES

See page 16 for more information.

The Hot Sardines SUNDAY, APRIL 22 AT 7 P.M. See page 16 for more information.

Festival of South African Dance

Featuring the Gumboots and Pantsula Dance Companies SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 8 P.M.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 8 P.M. See page 11 for more information.

See page 5 for more information.

BalletBoyz

Pilobolus

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 8 P.M.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 8 P.M.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Shadowland See page 6 for more information.

Tango Buenos Aires The Spirit of Argentina

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT 8 P.M. See page 6 for more information.

Doug Varone and Dancers

in the shelter of the fold featuring the Mason Dance Company SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 8 P.M. See page 8 for more information.

Dublin Irish Dance

See page 12 for more information.

Formosa

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 AT 8 P.M. See page 13 for more information.

Moscow Festival Ballet

Swan Lake

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 AT 8 P.M. See page 14 for more information.

Moscow Festival Ballet

Cinderella

SUNDAY, MARCH 18 AT 2 P.M. See page 14 for more information.

Stepping Out

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 AT 8 P.M. See page 10 for more information.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 27

Please join us for

A SCHOL ARSHIP BENEFIT CELEBRATING THE ARTS AT MASON

An evening like no other SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Kelli O’Hara in concert

Jay Speer and Donn Smith, Event Co-Chairs

Join us for a benefit in support of student scholarships at George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. The evening begins by showcasing the remarkable talents of Mason students amid an array of spectacular food and beverages, and culminates in the Concert Hall when Tony Award winner and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara takes the stage to perform a radiant concert of Broadway favorites, pop classics, and great American standards. In addition, a talented student vocal ensemble from George Mason University’s School of Music will join O’Hara on stage for a number or two. O’Hara has unequivocally established herself as one of the great leading ladies, starring in The King and I, The Light in the Piazza, South Pacific, and The Pajama Game. Don’t miss this dynamic entertainer with “angelic vocals” (The Daily Free Press) serenade you with melodies from your favorite Broadway musicals. $275/person ($120 tax deductible) Sponsorship packages are available at $10,000, $5,000, $3,000, $1,500. For more information, contact Susan Graziano at sglomb@gmu.edu, call 703-993-4188, or visit artsbygeorge.gmu.edu

artsbygeorge.gmu.edu

28 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

5:00 p.m. ARTS by George! event • Student showcases in Art, Arts Management, Computer Game Design, Dance, Film and Video Studies, Music, and Theater throughout the studios and performance spaces of the deLaski Performing Arts Building and Music/ Theater Building • Creative cuisine and fine wine bars throughout the event • Silent and Live Auction of unique artsrelated items and experiences 8:00 p.m. Concert Hall performance by Kelli O’Hara 9:45 p.m. Champagne and dessert reception on stage with Kelli O’Hara

PLAY A LEADING ROLE

Support the Great Performances at Mason Season at the Center for the Arts As a Member of the Friends of the Center for the Arts, you: Support Arts Education & Community Outreach Programs Your membership gift helps make the Great Performances at Mason Pre-Performance Discussions possible and open to all ticket holders at no additional charge.

Enjoy Member-Only Benefits to Enhance Your Experience Members receive invitations to special events, including the Artists in Conversation events, which offer the unique opportunity to interact with guest artists and faculty.

Receive Priority Season Tickets Friends receive the highest seating priority for season tickets and have the opportunity to purchase season tickets before the general public.

Grand Tier Society Members of the Grand Tier Society play a visionary and leadership role in ensuring that the season of Great Performances at Mason continues to remain vibrant and affordable today and for future generations. In grateful acknowledgment for their leadership support, the Friends of the Center for the Arts offer its Grand Tier Society members exclusive benefits to further enrich their participation in the life of the Center for the Arts and the Great Performances at Mason season, including: • Grand Tier Society acknowledgement in performance programs and on a special recognition wall located in the Concert Hall Lobby all season long • Invitation to two Grand Tier Society events each season held in private homes with special guest artists from the Washington Metro area • Grand Tier Society pin

Friends Make A Difference. For more information, call 703-993-4749 or email fcfa@gmu.edu

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 29

COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Our Commitment to the Future of the Arts The intense professional training of an arts conservatory along with the vast resources of a major research university. The Center for the Arts is proud to be part of George Mason Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), supporting and enriching the student experience with world-class performances throughout the academic year and a state-of-the art venue for student performances. CVPA students enjoy the intense professional training of an arts conservatory along with the vast resources of a major research university. They are guided by a faculty of dedicated artist-teachers who themselves practice what they teach â&#x20AC;&#x201D; performing and exhibiting at renowned venues across the country and around the world. Students within the Schools of Music, Dance, Theater, and Art perform, create, and exhibit work in a wide variety of public venues on campus ranging from the Center for the Arts Concert Hall to the intimate TheaterSpace and the Fine Art Gallery. In addition, students are able to refine their art in several award-winning facilities including the Art and Design Building, the deLaski Performing Arts Building, and the Music and Theater Building on the Fairfax campus as well as the magnificent Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus in Prince William County. This extraordinary fusion of the academic and the professional, the campus and the community, the past and the present, is an essential part of the identity of the Center for the Arts and defines the college. 30 GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2017/2018 SEASON

Enhance Your Subscription Student Productions Enjoy these student productions and Save 10% See the stars of tomorrow in these exciting student productions presented by our Dance, Music, and Theater students in Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

School of Theater and School of Music present

THE GONDOLIERS

Music by Arthur Sullivan and Libretto by W. S. Gilbert Directed by Ken Elston; Musical Direction by Dr. Dennis Layendecker Two charming Venetian gondoliers, Giuseppe and Marco, are informed that due to an error of identity when they were young boys, one of them is the heir to the throne of Barataria. With loves in hand and a betrothed ahead, they become disruptive strangers in a strange land. Since its premiere in 1889, The Gondoliers has delighted audiences with its memorable score by Sullivan, and its political satire, cleverly tucked into Gilbert’s witty plot-line. $30 adults, $15 students and seniors

School of Music

School of Dance

Winter Concert

The Gala Concert is Mason Dance Company’s crowning season event featuring a program of works by contemporary professional choreographers. $25 adults; $15 students, staff and seniors; $10 groups of 10 or more

MASON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

MASON DANCE COMPANY GALA

Celebrate a musical feast with the Mason Symphony Orchestra in a concert featuring music from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 children/youth through grade 12 Center for the Arts SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 7 P.M.

Center for the Arts FRIDAY, MARCH 23 AT 8 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 24 AT 8 P.M. Hylton Performing Arts Center SUNDAY, MARCH 25 AT 4 P.M.

Center for the Arts OCTOBER 27-28 AT 8 P.M. OCTOBER 29 AT 2 P.M. Please order tickets for all of these events on the “Additional Tickets” for Great Performances at Mason and Student Productions section of the order form. These events may not be selected as part of a Choose-Your-Own Series. ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787 31

CENTER FOR THE ARTS

4400 University Dr., MS 4C1 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 703-993-8888

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID FAIRFAX, VA PERMIT NO. 1532

Subscribe to the Great Performances at Mason 2017/2018 Season

THERE IS SO MUCH TO ENJOY THIS SEASON! SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE: > Great Seats > Big Savings > Discounts All Season Long > Free Ticket Exchanges > Personalized Service

Get the Best Seats. Subscribe Today! Call 703-993-2787, visit cfa.gmu.edu, or use the enclosed order form. Tickets for individual events go on sale August 1. Until then tickets are available only as part of a subscription.