Center for the Arts Announces 2008-09 Season

April 7, 2008

Mason’s Center for the Arts announced the new season of Great Performances at Mason at a press conference on Mason’s Fairfax Campus last Thursday.

The 2008-09 season comprises nine performing arts series, beginning in fall 2008 and continuing through spring 2009.

The Vienna Boys Choir will present a holiday concert at the Center for the Arts this season. Photo by Lucas Beck

“I am particularly pleased with the variety of our programs for 2008-09,” said Tom Reynolds, director of artistic programming, marketing and audience services, as he described a season emphasizing and promoting diversity and multiculturalism.

“From the finest in classical music, to cutting-edge modern dance, to theater that is captivating, historical, and educational — this season has it all. From around the globe and across our own country, the center brings the best of the performing arts.”

Highlights of the upcoming season include

• Broadway’s “Last Leading Man” Brian Stokes Mitchell
  
• Virtuoso pianists Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman
  
• Kirov Orchestra under Valery Gergiev
  
• Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra under Derek Gleeson with soprano Mairead Buicke
  
• Academy of Ancient Music under Richard Egarr performing all six of the Brandenburg Concertos
  
• National Russian Philharmonic under Vladimir Spivakov
  
• Modern dance ensembles Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Philadanco, Parsons Dance and Complexions Contemporary Ballet
  
• Five professional theater productions, including three Shakespearean plays
  
• Global artistry from West Africa, Spain, Canada, Portugal, China, and Ireland
  
• Legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo De La Vida
  
• Turtle Island Quartet with Sérgio and Odair Assad
  
• Irvin Mayfield and New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
  
• Four Italian Operas from Virginia Opera

In support of the season, PNC and the PNC Foundation announced its sponsorship of Great Performances at Mason for the second consecutive year.

As always, tickets to Great Performances at Mason are free to students, with some restrictions. Subscriptions are available now. Faculty and staff with a valid Mason ID receive a 50 percent discount if they purchase tickets to at least four performances. For more information, call 703-993-2787.

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