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 2024/2025 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 15, 2024 (though Friends of the Center for the Arts can purchase theirs from now until May 14) and individual event tickets are on sale August 1, 2024.
ARTS by George! Fundraiser supporting Mason Arts
Photo Courtesy of Center for the Arts at George Mason University
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 2024/2025 event on September 28, 2024 will be headlined by Lea Salonga, the multiple award-winning actress and vocalist best known for her performance as Kim in Miss Saigon and voice for two Disney animated classics, portraying Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. For her powerful performance, The Walt Disney Company awarded her with the honor of Disney Legend.
Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera returns to the Center for the Arts stage to celebrate its 50th anniversary. This season is bringing compelling and artistic operatic performances to audiences with two new productions!
- November 16 and 17: Carmen (pictured)
- May 3 and 4: Loving v. Virginia
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 20: Laurie Berkner Band
- November 24: My Father’s Dragon
- February 2: Mike Super - Magic & Illusion
- April 6: Theater Terra’s Rapunzel the Musical (pictured)
Orchestra & Brass
Classical music aficionados will enjoy some dazzling performances by internationally renowned artists paired with some of the world’s most celebrated orchestras.
- November 10: Arturo Sandoval
- November 23: Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with Jeremy Denk (pictured)
- February 1: The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
- February 7: Czech National Philharmonic
- March 30: Les Arts Florissants
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.
- October 5: Ballet Hispánico
- January 25: Silkroad Ensemble
- March 1: Kodo (pictured)
- March 9: The Peking Acrobats
- March 15: Cherish the Ladies
- March 22: Rhythm India
Holidays
Celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with cheerful vocalist ensembles, virtuoso fiddlers, holiday orchestral favorites, and Latin American holiday traditions.
- November 30: Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright
- December 1: Take 6
- December 7: Squirrel Nut Zippers (pictured)
- December 14: American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Piano
Relax to the sounds of the ivories with returning favorites and award-winning voices.
- September 15, October 13, January 26, March 23: Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
Dance and A Showcase of Performances
You’ll be blown away by the irresistible, revolutionary, and impossibly complex dance performances to grace the Center for the Arts stage.
- October 19: Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble
- February 15: Versa-Style Street Dance Company
- February 16: The Acting Company: Two Trains Running
- April 5: Cirque Mechanics (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.
