Fairfax County is fortunate to have an incredible performing arts scene with some world-class venues. Whether you are seeking outdoor concerts under the stars, intimate indie concerts, or cultural productions, you’ll find it here.
One of those venues is the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, the performing arts venue located at the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Year after year, the Center hosts an eclectic lineup of artists and ensembles that span genres – and the 2023/2024 season has just been announced.
Here’s what you’ll find on the Center for the Arts stage this season. Subscription sales go on sale May 17, 2023 (though Friends of the Center for the Arts can purchase theirs from now until May 16) and individual event tickets are on sale August 1, 2023.
ARTS by George! Fundraiser supporting Mason Arts
The entire season kicks off with George Mason University’s annual ARTS by George! fundraiser, which supports student scholarships at the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season. The 2023/2024 event on September 30, 2023 will be headlined by Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Tony-, GRAMMY-, and Emmy Award-winning actress and vocalist best known for her portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in the original cast of Hamilton.
Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera returns to the Center for the Arts stage, bringing compelling and artistic operatic performances to audiences in four thrilling productions.
- October 7-8: Siegfried
- November 11-12: The Barber of Seville
- February 3-4: Sanctuary Road
- March 16-17: Madama Butterfly (pictured)
Family Series
The beloved Family Series continues this year with a selection of theatrical and musical performances that will delight and educate youngsters, in addition to garnering giggles and wide eyes.
- October 15: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE
- November 19: B – The Underwater Bubble Show (pictured)
- April 6: Mutts Gone Nuts
- April 21: The Okee Dokee Brothers
Orchestra & Brass
Classical music aficionados will enjoy some dazzling performances by internationally renowned artists paired with some of the world’s most celebrated orchestras.
- October 28: Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride
- November 18: Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with Renée Fleming (pictured)
- January 28: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Isata Kanneh-Mason
- February 25: Mnozil Brass
- April 27: Bamberg Symphony with Hélène Grimaud
World Culture
Find inspiration in themes and music from around the world with some unique cultural performances, in the genres of music, dance, acrobatics, and advanced puppetry.
- November 5: Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens
- January 27: Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North (pictured)
- March 10: The Peking Acrobats
- April 20: Small Island Big Song (pictured in header)
Holidays
Celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with cheerful vocalist ensembles, virtuoso fiddlers, holiday orchestral favorites, and Latin American holiday traditions.
- November 25: Chanticleer
- December 10: Mariachi Herencia de México
- December 2: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (pictured)
- December 9: American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Dance
You’ll be blown away by the irresistible, revolutionary, and impossibly complex dance performances to grace the Center for the Arts stage.
- October 20: Malpaso Dance Company
- February 10: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens (pictured)
- February 17: A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
- March 24: Trinity Irish Dance Company
- April 13: Martha Graham Dance Company
Piano
Relax to the sounds of the ivories with returning favorites and award-winning voices.
- October 29, November 26, March 3, April 7: Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
- May 4: Brian Ganz: A Chopin Recital (pictured)
For even more performances and special events, be sure to keep tabs on https://cfa.calendar.gmu.edu as Mason's School of Dance, Dewberry School of Music, and the Mason School of Theatre also put on shows throughout the year.
Who are you most excited to see on the Center for the Arts stage? Tell us in the comments below and share your experiences with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
