Friends of the Center for the Arts

Great Performances at Mason

Friends of the Center for the Arts reflect on holiday performances at the venue

Laura Mertens — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:49:34 +0000

Friends of the Center for the Arts reflect on holiday performances at the venue Laura Mertens Mon, 12/02/2024 - 13:49

View holiday performances at the Center for the Arts.

Friends of the Center for the Arts reflect on holiday performances at the venue that have been special to them and evoked cherished memories.

Listening to The American Festival Pops Orchestra perform “Sleigh Ride” draws a picture that carries me into the crisp snowy night where sleigh bells are ringing, horses are clip clopping, chestnuts are popping, and friends are calling and singing carols. Then, with the crack of a whip and the jingle of bells, I ride down the road with my sweetheart to savor and share happy feelings and traditions! During “Sleigh Ride,” I can’t help but feel merry and bright, observing the smiles and energy of the musicians and wallowing in my memories of the special people, sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas seasons past.

—Janice Sutera Wolfe

The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has performed its Christmas concert at the Center for the Arts several times over the years and it always is an audience favorite. The first time I heard this amazing choir perform I was delighted with their beautiful harmonies and their incredibly extensive repertoire ranging from Gregorian Chant to Silent Night to A Charlie Brown Christmas. They stood on the Concert Hall stage attired in a rainbow of comfy sweaters which made me feel almost like I was with them in someone’s living room. It was not until several songs into the concert that they explained that they usually performed in tuxedos but that the airline had lost their luggage and that the sweaters were a last-minute replacement. I have seen Chanticleer at the Center other holiday seasons, but the first time with the sweaters will always be my favorite.

—Paulette Miller

One holiday season several years ago, one of the orchestras visiting the Center for the Arts played Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Medley,” which is one of my two favorite carols (the other one is “Carol of the Bells.”) For years now, whenever we start to decorate the house for Christmas, “A Christmas Medley” is the tune I play to kick things off. It’s great hearing it on a music system, but it is OUTSTANDING to hear it performed live!

—Mark Roddy

Holiday concerts performed at the Center for the Arts by the Natalie MacMaster/Donnell Leahy family have been a favorite of mine whenever they come to Fairfax. Their chatting together on stage, reminiscing about Christmas times in Cape Breton Island have always evoked warm memories of my childhood, when grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would all get together and tell long stories, sing songs, and imbibe in delicious holiday cuisine.

—Bob Warakomsky

View 2024 holiday concerts at the Center for the Arts.

Topics

holiday

Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico Connects Campus and Community in Deep Hispanic Heritage Month Engagement

Laura Mertens — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 22:10:18 +0000

Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico Connects Campus and Community in Deep Hispanic Heritage Month Engagement Laura Mertens Wed, 11/06/2024 - 17:10

In This Story

Samantha Sinagra

Lawrence M. Jackson

Victor Adebusola

Learn more about Mason Artists-in-Residence

Mason Artist-in-Residence and “smashingly theatrical” dance company (Chicago Sun-Times) Ballet Hispánico led a whirlwind of inspiring engagement activities October 1–5, 2024 during Hispanic Heritage Month. With events held at the Center for the Arts, in Mason classrooms, and at other sites around the community, the residency exemplified the Center's commitment to joyous and transformative experiences in the arts for all ages.

"Ballet Hispánico’s visit to the Mason community far exceeded my expectations. It’s clear that community engagement is a top priority for this organization," said Victor Adebusola, programming and engagement manager at the Center for the Arts at George Mason, "Very rarely do you have an Executive Director participate in so many residency activities, further evidencing their commitment to community outreach. During every engagement, they brought warmth and fun while educating communities on the historical and cultural influences of various Hispanic diasporas. It was a joy to see so many smiling faces! Their performances at our Concert Hall were the cherry on top of a phenomenal weekend."

The Maryland Theatre Guide declared of the October 5 performance, "Saturday night’s program at the George Mason University Center for the Arts (the culmination of their time as a Mason Artist-in-Residence) was a well-curated, sophisticated, and poignant production with work spanning three decades. The dancers of Ballet Hispánico are all fabulous, technically talented, and charismatic performers."

Below is a recap of just some of the week's events:

Ballet Hispánico company members taught a master class on modern repertoire to students in George Mason University’s School of Dance on Wednesday, October 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Ballet Hispánico led a masterclass on modern repertoire with local high school students at Fairfax County Public School's Fairfax Academy, also participating in discussion with the students on Wednesday, October 2 at 1 p.m.

Ballet Hispánico members led a Latin Social Dance Workshop and Community Party the evening of Thursday, October 3, co-hosted by the Latin Student Association and Mason Dining outside Southside Dining Hall, for George Mason students, faculty, and staff. Chef Monica Bastidas Moreno curated snacks for the event including Colombian ceviche and churros, and Latin dance student group Azucar attended, along with many other Mason students of all experience levels.

The company performed exciting excerpts of works for hundreds of students in grades 6-12 in a free school time matinee performance on Friday, October 4, at 11 a.m. With brief interstitial presentations, charismatic Ballet Hispánico artistic director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro fully immersed the students and teachers in the program, getting them up on their feet and dancing along.

The free and interactive Artists in Conversation: Latin Social Dance Workshop with Ballet Hispánico, co-presented by the City of Fairfax and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, offered community members free lessons in salsa, merengue, cha chá, and more on Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.

Ballet Hispánico artistic director Eduardo Vilaro taught an interactive Baila Conmigo dance workshop to members of the public and the Mason Community Arts Academy following the free school time matinee performance on Friday, October 4, 2024.

George Mason School of Dance Professor Lawrence Jackson moderated a pre-performance discussion with Vilaro in Monson Grand Tier, on the third level of the Center for the Arts, prior to the October 5 culminating performance. The recorded discussion is available for viewing on the Mason Arts Amplified digital venue, which features curated arts experiences including livestreamed concerts, releases of previously recorded content, behind-the-scenes talks with artists, and more (free account setup and login required).

Vilaro joined additional George Mason classes for discussion, including the “Survey of Latin American History,” taught by Associate Professor Joan Bristol from George Mason’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, on Tuesday, October 1, at 9 a.m. Vilaro discussed topics including the company's history and how the need for visibility for a community spurred rich innovation based on the intersection of Latin diasporas; colonization, the cross-Atlantic slave trade, and the legacy of movement throughout history; and the history of Latin dance in modern dance and culture in the United States. In the virtual class “Introduction to Arts Management,” taught by Professor Samantha Sinagra from George Mason’s Arts Management Program on Thursday, October 3 at 1:30 p.m., Vilaro discussed with class members how the company centers its mission when creating programs and initiatives.

The Mason Artist-in-Residence program is supported in part by the Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund.

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Arts Management Program

College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Mason Dining

Latino Student Association

Friends of the Center for the Arts: How I Fell in Love with the Performing Arts

Laura Mertens — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:01:46 +0000

Friends of the Center for the Arts: How I Fell in Love with the Performing Arts Laura Mertens Tue, 10/01/2024 - 10:01

Learn about the Friends of the Center for the Arts

In addition to many of its Great Performances at Mason, the Center offers a myriad of ways for young people to be introduced to the performing arts —from free school time matinees to Family Series events. Some Friends of the Center for the Arts recount their own first forays into the performing arts—from DJing air base radio in Newfoundland to former Rockette dance teachers to humoring an uncle's Humoresque...

It’s hard to pick a specific date or event as to when I first fell in love with the performing arts, but two or three “events” do stick out. The first would be in high school when our Drama Club put on a

performance of “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Seeing my classmates in costume and performing is a memory I will never forget. The other key event would be when I went away to college. There was a classical music station in Burlington, VT I would listen to while doing my homework. It must have made a real impression on me as, six years later, I was a volunteer “disc jockey” with my own classical program on the American Forces Radio & Television Service at Goose Air Base in Labrador, Canada!

—Mark Roddy

My introduction to the arts started when I was 5 Years old when my mother enrolled me in a tap class because she thought it would be a good thing for a little girl to do. I continued to take dance under the tutelage of a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette and then later expanded my dance experience to include jazz and ballet. While in high school, my chorus teacher came to me and said that I had been selected to choreograph our high school musical Oliver.

I have taught dance throughout my entire life for several dance studios in the area. I choreographed dances for my classes to compete in National Touring Competitions and we proudly brought home Gold Medals. I directed Summer Dance Showcase Shows and have performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Carnival and at Wolf Trap. The performing arts and theater have had a major influence throughout my life.

—Deberra Jones

I have fallen in love with the performing arts multiple times but haven’t divorced any. It had its beginning in third grade when my mother gave me a violin and said, “you will now learn how to play this instrument.” Her father was a violin teacher, and when he visited us occasionally, he would always play Humoresque, Op.101, No.7 by Dvořák.

I loved this piece and looked forward to his visits. However, I thought my lessons were a chore in the beginning. I didn’t want any of my friends see me carrying a violin case. My first teacher was a kind, elderly lady who taught multiple instruments. However, she instilled in me the basics. My next teacher was a member of my hometown orchestra, and when I attended my first orchestral concert to see/hear her play, my whole attitude changed, and I found myself liking to listen to classical music and yearning to one day perform in an orchestra. That day came when I was a junior in high school and joined the school orchestra. The highlight of my orchestra experience came when I played Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance for my own graduation.

Fast forward to 1975 when I arrived in the DMV area. My wife and I and several friends became annual season subscribers to the National Symphony Orchestra in the Kennedy Center. Listening to a live symphony orchestra perform became a joy that I have retained to this day. We also joined our friends in getting season tickets to the Virginia Opera at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. I immediately fell in love with their performances and would travel to Richmond or Norfolk to see operas that we had missed when they played in the Center's concert hall. While in London for four years, we attended most of the stage performances in the West End theaters and became addicted to live performances of plays and musicals. That continued when we arrived in the DMV in 1975 as we joined with our friends (again) and became season subscribers to the Arena Stage.

Completing my love affair with the various genres of the performing arts occurred when our daughter started dancing and became a prima ballerina with the Santiago, Chile, Ballet Company, and then later with the Houston Ballet Company.

I will never forget her final performance in Giselle, where I was so proud of her that I thought my chest would explode.

We have seen her dance most of the classics, including Cinderella, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and La Sylphide. My love of the performing arts is alive and well, even to this day.

—Bob Warakomsky

Topics

performing art

Friends of the Center for the Arts Share Excitement for Upcoming 2024–25 Season

Zoe Harr — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:03:22 +0000

Friends of the Center for the Arts Share Excitement for Upcoming 2024–25 Season Zoe Harr Mon, 06/24/2024 - 11:03

Explore the 2024–25 Season

Become a Friend of the Center for the Arts

Members of the Friends of the Center for the Arts (FCFA) are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024–25 Great Performances at Mason season in the Center’s Concert Hall. When asked which performances they were looking forward to, Friends had an opportunity to share their returning favorites and new upcoming experiences.

"We are very pleased to see that Virginia Opera will be offering our favorite opera, Carmen, this season. We have seen most of the Virginia Opera presentations these past 20 years and have never been disappointed."
–Charles and Eileen Duggan

Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson joins American Festival Pops Orchestra at the Center on December 14.

"I can hardly wait to hear American Festival Pops Orchestra's Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season. I look forward to hearing them any time of the year, no matter what they are playing. Many years ago, members of the FCFA Board were asked about their favorite Great Performances and Holiday Pops was mentioned by most board members."
–Joanie White

Can't attend the Center's December 14 performance? No problem! Experience the audience-favorite tradition, American Festival Pops Orchestra at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on December 13.

"We are so excited to see The Acting Company returning to the Center for the Arts. We have missed seeing the incredible plays that this oldest and most revered American touring theater company brings (and what a wonderful play to return with, August Wilson’s Two Trains Running)! Theater is back in the Great Performances schedule. Hurrah!
–Paulette and Mack Miller

"We are looking forward to seeing Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300. Why? Because they will have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York prior to their performance at the Center. That is the quality of performances we get at the Center for the Arts and you don’t have to take a train to see them!"
–Dawn and Mark Roddy

Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra at the Center on February 1. (Photo Credit: Roger Thomas)

"After a recent trip to Prague, we’re excited about the Czech National Philharmonic's Smetana and Dvořák program. We’re always impressed with the precision and musicianship of European orchestra performances. Perennial musical favorites are the American Festival Pops Orchestra and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis because the selections and performances are always fun and demand multiple encores!"
–Jim Wolfe and Janice Sutera Wolfe

"As ever, the selection for the 2024–25 season is varied and provides something for everyone. While all look good, I particularly enjoy the orchestral presentations with American Festival Pops Orchestra's holiday performance and Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra heading my list."
–John Nash

"We are excited to be able to see a live performance of the Squirrel Nut Zippers' Christmas Caravan on December 7. Our son introduced us to this eclectic, quirky band that was popular in the late 90’s with their hit album Hot. Their music is a wild mix of New Orleans jazz, 20’s swing, Klezmer, and other lively genres. It should be a wild and entertaining performance."
–Margaret and Roy Wagner

Pumped for The Peking Acrobats

"I am especially looking forward to seeing The Peking Acrobats! We had tickets to see them this past year, but the performance was canceled so I am looking forward to seeing them this upcoming season."
–Dianne Blais

"I am enthusiastically looking forward to The Peking Acrobats. Their amazing athleticism and body control are beyond belief."
–Bob Warakomsky

Subscriptions are on sale now and tickets for individual events go on sale Thursday, August 1. Additional details and information about the upcoming season are available at the Center for the Arts’ website. Join the Friends of the Center for the Arts today to find out what our next season has in store and demonstrate your appreciation for the important role the arts play in our community.

The Center for the Arts thanks its 2024-25 season sponsors and grantmaking organizations: Didlake, The Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund, The Tom and Evelyn Kiley Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, Dominion Energy, and Sandy Spring Bank.

Topics

Just Announced: 2024–25 Season at the Center for the Arts

Zoe Harr — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:31:44 +0000

Just Announced: 2024–25 Season at the Center for the Arts Zoe Harr Tue, 04/23/2024 - 10:31

In This Story

Adrienne Bryant Godwin

Explore the 2024–25 season.

Lea Salonga headlines 2024 ARTS by George! (Photo Credit: Raymund Isaac)

The Center for the Arts at George Mason University announced its 2024–25 season of mainstage performances on the Concert Hall stage, featuring wide-ranging artists and acts across performing arts disciplines, as part of Great Performances at Mason and the Family Series. To view the upcoming 2024–25 season, visit the Center for the Arts brochure.

“You won’t want to miss the incredible lineup of artists and ensembles featured in the Center for the Arts’ 2024–25 season,” stated Director of Programming Adrienne Bryant Godwin. “Some of today’s leading artists will make their Center debut, including Lea Salonga, Arturo Sandoval, Branford Marsalis, and Jeremy Denk. In addition, we’ll welcome back favorites, including the Mark Morris Dance Group, Kodo, and Cirque Mechanics.”

Friends Priority Period Offers Early 2024–25 Season Subscriptions
Friends of the Center for the Arts are encouraged to order your subscription by May 14 to take advantage of the Friends Priority Period and secure your seats early to the thrilling 2024–25 season. Overflowing with star power from luminaries like GRAMMY Award-winning jazz icon Branford Marsalis and fan-favorite Cherish the Ladies, this is a season that can’t be missed! Choose three or more performances and save 15% today. For more information, visit the Friends website.

The Center also welcomes three 2024–25 Mason Artists-in-Residence: Ballet Hispánico, honoring the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas through dance with a Hispanic Heritage Month performance on October 5; members of the GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble in a showcase of virtuoso percussionists, performing original compositions and pieces by celebrated composers on January 25; and the Versa-Style Street Dance Company, marking its 20th anniversary with an evening-length, multidisciplinary work that shines a light on West Coast Hip Hop and street dance culture on February 15. Their Great Performances at Mason performances will be complemented by workshops, conversations, and outreach events, offering opportunities for the Northern Virginia community to get to know these artists.

For a preview of Mason Artist-in-Residence Versa-Style Street Dance Company's dance and teaching skills, watch the video below:

Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico (Photo Credit: Erin Baiano)

Godwin added, “The Mason Artist-in-Residence program continues with three trailblazing companies, each of whom celebrates vibrant cultural traditions with inspiring contemporary voices. Ballet Hispánico returns for their second residency and will present their signature educational programs highlighting Latino cultures, culminating in a performance that features choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Pedro Ruiz, and Eduardo Vilaro. Versa-Style Street Dance Company will make its Center for the Arts debut with Tribute: Guardians of Street Dance, shining a light on the company’s 20-year history by paying homage to West Coast Hip Hop and the street dance scene in their native Los Angeles. And we’re beyond thrilled to be continuing our multi-year partnership with the Silkroad Ensemble, presenting the world premiere of their newest program, Percussion All-Stars. Over the past two years our audiences have gotten to know this inspiring collective of musicians through their performances as well as their engaging work in the community, and we look forward to hosting them for a third year.”

Read more about the Center for the Arts’ Mason Artist-in-Residence program.

Subscriptions go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 15 and tickets for individual events go on sale Thursday, August 1. Additional details and information about the upcoming season are available at the Center for the Arts’ website.

Topics

Mason Artists-in-Residence

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song Leads Events Across Campus and Community

Zoe Harr — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:41:10 +0000

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song Leads Events Across Campus and Community Zoe Harr Fri, 03/29/2024 - 16:41

In This Story

Buy Tickets

Learn About Mason's Artist-in-Residence Program

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song will perform at the Center on April 20. Photo taken by Gelée Lai, Tony Tsai, Samra Teague, and Kimmi Cranes.

Right before Earth Day, Small Island Big Song presents a "jaw-dropping" (Billboard) concert experience at the Center for the Arts on April 20, combining music, spoken word, and stunning projections to showcase unique oceanic grooves and soulful island ballads, while shining a light on the devastating effects of climate crisis on our world’s oceans. Indigenous artists from Pacific and Indian Ocean island nations mix their diverse styles to establish a contemporary musical dialogue between cultures as far afield as Madagascar, Taiwan, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, and Indonesia.

Co-Founder BaoBao Chen joins Small Island Big Song at the Center on April 20.

“For us, the goal of Small Island Big Song is to bring the audiences to some places that we might not have the courage of going alone, to celebrate, to confront, to inspire, to mourn, to feel hopeful. Our performance goes to all these emotions and shares the stories of ‘Our Island’, but ultimately, ‘Our Island’ is the one we all share,” notes BaoBao Chen, co-founder of Small Island Big Song.

Want to learn more about Small Island Big Song? Read more on the official website.

As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Small Island Big Song will also deeply engage with the community through a series of education and engagement programs, detailed below:

Open-to-the-Public Residency Events

Climate Change: Our Response as Artivists on April 18 will explore ways in which artists can use their voices to expand global conversation on political, economic, social, and cultural questions at the root of the climate crisis. This event is co-presented with the Inclusive Collaborative Arts at Mason (ICAM) project with panelists BaoBao Chen, Co-Founder and Producer of Small Island Big Song; Mark Cooley, Associate Professor and Director of New Media Arts, Mason School of Art; founder of Green Studio; Moderated by Edward Maibach, distinguished professor at George Mason University and director of Mason’s Center for Climate Change Communication; and is a part of the Artist-Activist Speaker Series, an initiative of the Inclusive Collaborative Arts at Mason (ICAM) project. This event is free, but registration is required.
Small Island Big Song artist Sammy from Madagascar hosts "Trash to Music" on April 20.
On April 19, Small Island Big Song invites local students to experience a schooltime performance that includes participatory dance and rhythmic activities, as well as an open Q&A with students. This performance is free, but registration is required.
Also on April 19 and in collaboration with Mason Dining, Small Island Big Song artists will introduce Mason community members to a traditional island dish, fish curry. Led by Emlyn from Mauritius, the Cooking a Traditional Meal with Local Twists workshop will include food samples and musical accompaniment. The event is free to Mason students, faculty, and staff, but registration is required.
Led by Small Island Big Song artist Sammy and hosted by UpCycle Creative Reuse Center, Trash to Music on April 20 is an inspiring hands-on workshop demonstrating how to make musical instruments from trash, commonly recycled, and/or reused materials. Participants will be making a Malagasy-style berimbau and shaker. Recommended for ages 10 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Limit of 20 participants with waitlist to notify if spots become available.

Additional Residency Activities for Mason and Local Community

Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts, Small Island Big Song hosted a Friends of the Center for the Arts Artists in Conversation event, Our Shared Seafaring Heritage, Alive in Rhythm and Song, on April 2 at the Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. This lecture-demonstration provided geographical and historical background about the great oceanic migrations that affected the featured island nations of Small Island Big Song, and included musical demonstrations and an interactive Q&A.
Small Island Big Song artists Sammy, Yuma, Mathieu, and Small Island Big Song Co-Founder Tim Cole will visit Mason’s Dewberry School of Music program’s “Music History in Society III” course taught by Professor Greg Robinson.
In this Dancing Mauritian Sega workshop, approximately 100 second grade students from Hunters Woods Elementary School are invited to learn the Sega dance from Mauritius, led by Mathieu Joseph (Mauritius) with support from Sam Roem (West Papua).
Small Island Big Song artists and co-founders BaoBao Chen and Tim Cole will lead a discussion on the topic of “Artivism in Action - Managing Cultural Initiatives” with students of Mason’s Arts Management and Folklore programs’ “Folklore and Festival Management” course.

In addition to these special residency events, a pre-performance discussion with Small Island Big Song Co-Founders BaoBao Chen and Tim Cole will take place in Monson Grand Tier prior to the performance on April 20. The discussion will be moderated by Center for the Arts Programming and Engagement Manager Vic Adebusola.

Buy tickets to Small Island Big Song on April 20 and be transported to the musical islands that are just around the corner.

This engagement of Small Island Big Song is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Mason Artist-in-Residence program is supported in part by the Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund.

The Small Island Big Song residency is supported in part by Eloise Stinger.

Thank you to the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Everybody Plays Grant program for making free tickets possible for the schooltime matinee program. This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Arts Management Program

folklore

Mason Artists-in-Residence

Mason Dining

Campus News

Sustainability

Become a Friend to Receive an Exclusive Invitation to the 2024-2025 Season Announcement

Zoe Harr — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:28:02 +0000

Become a Friend to Receive an Exclusive Invitation to the 2024-2025 Season Announcement Zoe Harr Fri, 03/29/2024 - 15:28

Become a Friend of the Center for the Arts

Curious about what’s coming to the Center for the Arts next season?

Join the Friends of the Center for the Arts for just $100 by Wednesday, April 24 to receive an exclusive invitation to the 2024-2025 Season Announcement event on Wednesday, May 1. This complimentary Friends-only event offers a first look at the upcoming season at the Center, a fantastic opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres. Become a member of the Friends today and spend the evening of May 1 learning about the upcoming season and enjoying a great party!

The continued support of the Friends enables the Center to host pre-performance discussions.

Additional benefits include:

Exclusive access to ticket presales and the best seats in the house
Access to the Friends Hospitality Lounge, available to you at every Great Performances at Mason and Family Series event
Invitations to special events, like the Friends-only Season Announcement

For those who wish to make an even greater impact, the Grand Tier Society offers premium benefits. With gifts starting at $1,000, Grand Tier Society members play a visionary and leadership role in ensuring that each season of Great Performances at Mason remains vibrant and affordable for all audiences. In grateful acknowledgement of their leadership giving, Grand Tier Society members receive specialized benefits to include concierge seating and personalized ticket assistance, incomparable access to the Center for the Arts, and invitations to annual Grand Tier Society receptions.

Join the Friends of the Center for the Arts today to find out what our next season has in store and demonstrate your appreciation for the important role the arts play in our community.

Already a Friend? Read more about the upcoming membership changes. These updates will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Topics

Center for the Arts Friends Benefit Updates

Stacey Schwartz — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:36:59 +0000

Center for the Arts Friends Benefit Updates Stacey Schwartz Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:36

The Center for the Arts Development Staff is preparing to implement some new changes to the Friends of the Center for the Arts membership program, which will take effect on July 1, 2024.

The Center for the Arts Development Team and Membership Committee have worked over the last year to create some much-needed and exciting updates to the Friends of the C enter for the Arts program, with the primary adjustments to include:

New names designating Membership levels
Small increases in Membership fees at the new Friend, Contributor, and Patron levels
Adjustments and additions to benefits at all levels of Membership

These updates to the Friends program are necessary in order to keep up with inflation and to ensure the Center for the Arts is providing the best possible experience for Friends memberships.

Taking Effect as of July 1, 2024

Friend: $125 - $199, Fully Tax Deductible

Access to the Friends Hospitality Area during Great Performances at Mason and Family Series performances
Membership Pin
Exclusive invitation to the annual Season Announcement event
Access to purchase tickets during the exclusive Friends Ticket Presale period
Recognition in performance programs
Exclusive offers and announcements for Great Performances at Mason

Contributor: $200 - $299 ($30 Cost of Benefits, $170 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Friend
Two complimentary beverage coupons for Great Performances at Mason and Family Series performances
Invitations to backstage tour opportunities

Patron: $300 - $499 ($50 Cost of Benefits, $250 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Contributor
Invitation to Artists in Conversation events
Two additional complimentary beverage coupons for Great Performances at Mason or Family Series performances

Advocate: $500 - $999 ($70 Cost of Benefits, $430 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Patron
A private backstage tour for two (upon request)
Three complimentary garage parking passes for weekend Great Performances at Mason and Family Series performances

Sponsor: $1,000 - $2,499 ($150 Cost of Benefits, $850 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Advocate
Invitation to all Grand Tier Society Receptions and Appreciation Events
Grand Tier Society Membership Pin
Concierge ticket and seating assistance
Recognition on Grand Tier Society Recognition Wall
A copy of the Center for the Arts Annual Report with letter from Executive Director Julie Thompson

Benefactor: $2,500 - $4,999 ($250 Cost of Benefits, $2,250 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Sponsor
A backstage meet and greet with an artist (upon request and subject to availability)
Invitation to VIP events
Gift Membership to the Hylton Center or the Center for the Arts ($125 value) to keep or give as a gift
Recognition in the George Mason University President’s Circle and invitation to all President’s Circle events

Sustainer: $5,000+ ($250 Cost of Benefits, $4,750 Tax Deductible)

All benefits listed under Benefactor
Invitation to our sister venue, the Hylton Performing Arts Center Season Announcement and backstage tours

Topics

Sharing Favorite 2023/2024 Season Memories with Friends of the Center for the Arts

Zoe Harr — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:10:25 +0000

Sharing Favorite 2023/2024 Season Memories with Friends of the Center for the Arts Zoe Harr Wed, 02/28/2024 - 14:10

Become a Friend of the Center for the Arts

Members of the Friends of the Center for the Arts (FCFA) have unique opportunities to interact with performers showcased in each Great Performances at Mason season. These can occur during Artists in Conversation discussions, backstage tours, Grand Tier Society events, or Friends post-performance receptions. Below, members of the FCFA describe memorable experiences interacting with artists.

A backstage tour at Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North.

On January 27, Dianne Blais and her family members attended Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North as well as a Friends-exclusive backstage tour following the performance. According to Blais, the backstage tour was a wonderful bonus in addition to the breathtaking production that featured over 500 handmade puppets and shadow puppetry. During the tour, numerous company members discussed the production’s technology, facilitating their understanding and appreciation of the effort involved in producing this multimedia adventure.

Blais emphasizes, “It was a great ending to an amazing performance.”

On December 2, Mike and Linda Kostrzewa were looking forward to revisiting a beloved performance of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s A Celtic Family Christmas after years away due to COVID-19. The Kostrzewas noted their excitement of seeing MacMaster and Leahy’s children, stating, “We were looking forward to seeing how the children had grown up.” After a spirited concert, the pair attended a Friends post-performance reception alongside other Friends as well as the MacMaster and Leahy family.

Dancer statue in the Center’s lobby, created by Doris Catullo and donated by Mary Frances Merzin. (Photo Credit: George Mason University)

The Kostrzewas explain, “As we were leaving, we saw the Leahy’s eldest daughter, Mary Frances, checking lists and boxing up the merch table by herself. We approached and congratulated her on her performance, mentioning Linda’s Mum's name was ‘Mary Frances.’ She was delighted to hear this and said that she had never met anyone else with those given names until that day.” They add, “And we were the second that day to approach her about her name!” Mary Frances led them to the dancer statue in the Center’s lobby, pointing out the plaque that showed it was created by Doris Catullo and donated by Mary Frances Merzin. The group chuckled together, delighted about the connection. “We always say ‘hello’ to the ballerina during our visits to the Center now,” the Kostrzewas mention. Watch the video below to experience Mary Frances performing on piano with her mom Natalie MacMaster.

Members of the Friends of the Center for the Arts make a world of difference by ensuring Center for the Arts programming remains vibrant and diverse each year. A portion of the Friends membership fee supports educational programming opportunities, such as Artists in Conversation events, which provide Friends with one-on-one opportunities with Center for the Arts performers. In addition, they support educational programming, such as pre-performance discussions, which provide all patrons of the Center for the Arts with unparalleled access to artists prior to performances.

Extra benefits include:

Exclusive access to ticket presales and the best seats in the house
Access to the exclusive Friends-only area with complimentary snacks and beverages, available to you at every Great Performances at Mason and Family Series event
Invitations to special events such as pre-show Artist-in-Conversation discussions and the Annual Season Announcement on May 1, 2024 (admittance to select Friends-only events requires a $150+ donation)

Join the Friends today and start collecting memories that will last a lifetime!

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