2008-09 Great Performances at Mason
Schedule of "Family Friendly" Events

Haydn and Mozart—Humor and Heartache

Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns in his highly popular concert series—Keyboard Conversations. With his unique combination of extraordinary virtuosity at the piano and his fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the composers and their work, his concerts are a joy for both the piano aficionado and newcomer alike. In this first of four performances of the season, Mr. Siegel presents the humor and heartache of two of the world’s great composers: Haydn and Mozart. The program includes Haydn’s rollicking C-Major Fantasy, exuberant D-Major Sonata, and melancholy Andante and Variations; and the Finale from Mozart’s volcanic C-Minor Sonata, as well as his blissful Andante, and the Turkish March, one of the best known melodies of all time.

 

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Dubbed Broadway’s “last leading man” by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich career on Broadway, television, and film. This tremendous baritone is known for his musical versatility, charisma, and a “chameleonic” ability to evoke any emotion. On Broadway, his credits in Kiss Me Kate won him a Tony award, and he received Tony nominations for Man of La Mancha, Ragtime, and King Hedley II. For this performance, Mitchell takes the stage for a spectacular evening of timeless show tunes, ballads, and classic love songs, like “Embraceable You,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and his showstopper, “The Impossible Dream.” “In his silken, elegant phrases that linger over each ecstatic exclamation, Mr. Mitchell makes you believe that the happiness bursting out of him is as natural as breathing.” (The New York Times)

Brian Stokes Mitchell’s performance is part of the ARTS by George! scholarship benefit.

ON SALE NOW!

With an explosion of sound, this incredible ensemble paints a colorful and electrifying collage of the many amazing cultures of West Africa. For more than 35 years, Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has celebrated the rich musical, dance and folklore traditions of a diverse region that includes Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, The Ivory Coast, and Mauritania. Today, the company enjoys international notoriety for its skillful interpretations of traditional African melodies. With just a touch of Western influences, their sound is both thoroughly modern, and yet still completely authentic and uniquely West African.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

With an explosion of sound, this incredible ensemble paints a colorful and electrifying collage of the many amazing cultures of West Africa. For more than 35 years, Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has celebrated the rich musical, dance and folklore traditions of a diverse region that includes Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, The Ivory Coast, and Mauritania. Today, the company enjoys international notoriety for its skillful interpretations of traditional African melodies. With just a touch of Western influences, their sound is both thoroughly modern, and yet still completely authentic and uniquely West African.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

String Theory

Experience the passion and spectacle of flamenco when Spain’s preeminent company of dancers, musicians and singers returns to the Center for the Arts, delighting audiences with its explosion of rhythm, color, and emotion. Born in Seville, José Porcel began dancing flamenco in the Andalusian Cultural Houses of Valencia. Formerly lead dancer in the company of Antonio Márquez, Porcel founded Ballet Flamenco in collaboration with numerous prestigious choreographers. “Evocative and exciting, blending traditional flamenco with some decidedly more contemporary music, moves, and looks.” (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Basking In Beethoven

Jeffrey Siegel presents music from one of the world’s great composers in his unique “concerts with commentary” format. In addition to performing each composition in its entirety, Mr. Siegel provides illuminating, engaging, and entertaining insights into each piece. This performance is truly a musical feast, and includes the tuneful simplicity of the Minuet in G, stormy Prestissimo, brooding Largo mesto, inventive Variations on God Save the King, and the Farewell Sonata for which Mr. Siegel promises to tell us who was leaving, and why this affected Beethoven so deeply.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

The Comedy of Errors 

This esteemed touring company returns to the Center with an imaginative and exuberant production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy. “No one who sees this rousing production by the excellent Aquila Theatre Company will forget a whit of it.” (The New York Times) This glorious, farcical romp about two pairs of identical twins separated during a shipwreck features mistaken identity, assumed personas, hilarious machinations, and whimsical family ties. Shakespeare expertly weaves these elements together, always keeping the audience one step ahead, with hilarious results. This is a “must-see” for newcomers to Shakespeare and Bard enthusiasts alike. “Superb acting and clever staging,” said the New Yorker of this unique British/American touring company.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Exuberant, athletic, and eclectic, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been an innovative force in the dance world for more than 30 years. Under the artistic leadership of Jim Vincent, this bold and arresting company displays a powerful and diverse repertoire from choreographers around the globe, creating thrilling, inspiring, and engaging experiences for its audiences. Described by The New York Times as “one of the most buoyant, sleek and exciting of young American dance troupes,” the ensemble is renowned for its humor and extreme versatility, with dancers trained in a variety of styles from jazz to modern to ballet. “Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is one of the spiciest—not to mention liveliest—companies around.”

El Ritmo de la Vida 

Doc Severinsen, trumpet, Gil Gutierrez, guitar, Pedro Cartas, violin, Luis Conte, percussion

Legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen, best known as the bandleader on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (and for his striking wardrobe!), moved to Mexico with plans to retire. But his plans changed when he discovered the incredible music of classical guitarist Gil Gutierrez, violinist Pedro Cartas, and percussionist Luis Conte. And now these four remarkable talents have created an exciting performance aptly titled El Ritmo de la Vida  or “The Rhythm of Life.” This innovative and exciting program features classical Spanish music with a jazz flair, gorgeous American and Latino ballads, and great music from films. Individually, each of these musicians is remarkable; combined, they are absolutely brilliant.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Irvin Mayfield, Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer and the Cultural Ambassador for the City of New Orleans, leads the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra in a festive holiday program that evokes the wonderful sounds and celebratory joie de vivre of their beloved city. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this spirited 16-piece band became a beacon for the rich cultural traditions of a troubled city. Described by the Post and Courier as “Screamin’ trumpets growlin’ trombones, a rock solid rhythm section and honey drippin’ saxophones that jump, jive, and wail,” the ensemble performs holiday classics in the tradition of New Orleans jazz. The program includes blues, swing, spirituals, and a crowd-pleasing Ellington arrangement of the Nutcracker Suite. “A saucy big band with a broadly embracing musical perspective.” (Santa Barbara Independent)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008   

A Celtic Christmas

Get into the Christmas spirit with this spellbinding Canadian octet of brothers and sisters. Described by the Buffalo News as “fresh, vibrant, and engaging,” Leahy has captured countless fans with compelling fiddle-driven music, meticulous step dancing, and captivating vocals. The best-selling group explores its Irish and Scottish roots while demonstrating its formidable musical prowess and ferocious dancing, performing a mix of Celtic medleys and traditional Christmas carols. “Leahy makes Christmas a true family affair!” (Calgary Herald)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Christmas in Vienna

“Theirs are the voices of Christmas, as pure as angels, as clear as the winter light. They sing of peace and happiness, of miracles and men, of the very spirit that defines the holiday season.” (Charles Passy, Ovation) For more than five centuries, the Vienna Boys Choir has been synonymous with choral music, and in a city that has fostered many of the greatest talents in music history, this choir continues to be one of the most recognized names and sounds in the world. In a program of holiday music from Gregorian chant through modern Christmas carols, this charming ensemble presents an evening of exceptionally beautiful singing that best exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008   

The Longevity of the Short Piece!

“The Leonard Bernstein of the piano—Siegel’s programs strengthen the bonds between the music and the listener and are as welcome as they are rare,” wrote the Chicago Tribune. Enjoy this wonderful pianist as he presents “byte-size” musical jewels and gems—masterpieces in miniature! The program includes Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, Stravinsky’s Circus Polka, Brahms’s Rhapsody in E-flat, Sibelius’s Evergreen, Granado’s Spanish Dance, and Ginastera’s Sonata.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

“One of Philadelphia’s cultural treasures,” the Philadelphia Dance Company, or Philadanco, has danced its way into the hearts of America with extraordinary technique, highly skilled dancers, and an exciting repertory of classical and contemporary choreography. “Performers whose blazing physicality and commitment light up the stage,” says the Village Voice. For more than 30 years, the company has traveled the globe, performing before sold-out audiences of all ages, races, and cultural traditions. The company has been praised for its innovative, energetic, and exuberant performances by audiences and dance critics. “Sheer pleasure in dancing radiates from this modern dance troupe.” (The New York Times)

Nebbia 

“An imaginative merging of physical feats and playful poetics,” Variety said about this highly artistic company. Their performances are a blend of thrilling acrobatic theater, enchanting circus arts, and visually stunning theatrics that never fails to enthrall and mesmerize. Audiences of all ages enthusiastically pack the house whenever this Quebec-based company comes to our stage. Cirque Éloize returns this time with Nebbia: a magical fog, the third part of its sky trilogy, which was written and directed by the renowned Daniele Finzi Pasca. In this fog, anything is possible, and reality becomes dream. This captivating new production, which recently enjoyed a resoundingly successful premiere in Geneva, combines daring circus feats, acrobatics, theatrics, and poetry, with dramatic lighting, and an original score of haunting music.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

This dynamic group of outstanding musicians from Washington, D.C. returns to perform a highly anticipated program of traditional jazz, featuring classics by the great jazz masters such as D.C. native Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and other jazz greats. Each time Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra appears at the Center, this great band brings the house down and the audience to its feet. Artistic director Jim Carroll’s distinguished career as a performer includes performances at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the White House with groups like Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Mr. Carroll is Director of Jazz Studies at George Mason University.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

DRUMLine Live brings show-style marching bands from the college football field to the theatrical stage for the first time. A tradition at historically Black colleges and universities, these percussion-driven performances captured the attention of the American public with the hit movie DRUMLine. The performance includes music from the popular brass-based groups like Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tower of Power, as well as hip-hop and R&B groups. But the heart of the show is unquestionably the talented group of Black percussionists whose spectacular showdown astounds with its precision and pulsing force. Their rhythmic sounds, explosive choreography, and incredible athleticism bring audiences to their feet every time.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Years of rigorous training is evident in every perfectly paced spin, leap, and click performed by this spirited ensemble, making them a lethal powerhouse of speed and sound that has electrified audiences around the world. Founded by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mark Howard, Trinity is the most widely recognized Irish dance program in the world, performing in distinguished venues across the globe, and making appearances on national television programs and in feature films. “Simply intoxicating.” (San Francisco Examiner)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Cinderella

If you appreciate the great tradition of grand ballet, then you will love the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s production of Cinderella. The sumptuous costumes, the jubilant music by Prokofiev, the lush scenery, and the hilarious double-roles of the stepsisters make the presentation of this masterpiece an occasion not to be missed. Sergei Radchenko formed the company in 1989, bringing together leading dancers from across Russia, to stage new productions of the classics as well as new works, preserving the timeless traditions of Russian Ballet. “A cut above many of its rivals.” (The Washington Post)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008   

Sleeping Beauty

In the great tradition of grand ballet, Russian National Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty, the magical tale of the beautiful princess who waits in slumber to be awakened by the kiss of her prince. Petipa’s brilliant choreography, considered by many to be the crowning jewel of his career, is enriched by the resplendent sets and costumes of this stunning production. Combine all this with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score—which he himself said was perhaps the best piece of music he had ever written—and the masterful movements of these leading Russian dancers, and the result is an evening of awe-inspiring artistry.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Thrilling audiences from coast to coast, this fantastic group plays bluegrass in their own unique style: driving it hard and serving it straight up. Cherryholmes has taken the bluegrass world by storm, recently earning a second Grammy nomination for the Best Bluegrass Album for its recording “Cherryholmes II Black and White” and winning the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. Each member of this incredible family band has his or her own distinct style, adding to the group’s immense versatility and popularity.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Centuries ago, performers in China combined dramatic folk arts and variety shows with the cultural roots of their civilization, and using common objects as stage props, created an acrobatic art unique to their culture. The National Acrobats of China continues this ancient tradition, and is every bit as thrilling and entertaining as it was 3,000 years ago. Executing daring feats with tables, chairs, flags, and plates, the performers demonstrate their amazing flexibility, agility, and extensive training, as audiences gasp, laugh, and often hold their breath! Considered one of the most influential acrobatic troupes in the world, it distinguishes itself with extensive touring and achievements in international competitions. Truly a wonderful event for the entire family.

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

 

Musical Pictures

The Washington Post praised a recent performance by Jeffrey Siegel as "insightful and poetically interpreted, both in words and in music." In this final Keyboard Conversations presentation of the season, Mr. Siegel shares inspiring sights in glorious sound. The program includes the two of Rachmaninoff's Etudes Tableaux, the luminous colors of Debussy's Fireworks and impressionistic Voiles, and the astonishing gallery of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

 

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008

Delivering an abundance of high-energy, foot-stomping fun, the exuberance of this acclaimed fiddler amazes young and old alike. Firmly rooted in her native Cape Breton fiddle traditions where this Grammy Award nominee first picked up a violin at the age of nine, Natalie MacMaster combines Celtic, bluegrass, and contemporary acoustic music with jazz, rock, and even classical music. “MacMaster’s a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion,” raves the Los Angeles Times. Joining MacMaster on stage is a group of extraordinary musicians with boundless energy: Mac Morin on piano, Matt MacIsaac on bagpipes, JD Blair on percussion, and Nathaniel Smith on cello. “Radiant joy ran through her show…maximum entertainment.” (Boston Globe)

SINGLE TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE TUES., SEPT. 2, 2008