“The calendar features musical acts from a variety of genres as well as dance presentations to commemorate the festive season,” stated a release.
Windham Hill: A Winter Solstice Concert
November 27 at 7 p.m.
Come rejoice in the joy and tranquility of the approaching winter season with masterful performances by these three leading musicians from Windham Hill. The premier recording label has introduced many of today’s most accomplished acoustic, classical, and folk artists, and this ensemble represents some of its finest. Multiple Grammy Award nominee Liz Story is one of the foremost pioneers of contemporary solo piano whose work crosses many musical genres. Grammy-nominated singer and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie is a folk, jazz, pop, and fusion singer-songwriter, especially noted for her highly melodic piano performances. They are joined by guitarist Sean Harkness who “sounds at times like a one-man orchestra” (Jersey Jazz). From “Carol of the Bells” to “Greensleeves,” they perform beloved carols and winter songs from diverse traditions that celebrate the season.
Pre-Performance Discussion with Member of the Company begins 45 minutes before the performance.
Tickets:$50, $43, $30
1 Free Student Ticket Available with Mason ID beginning on November 15, 2016
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
featuring New York Voices
December 2 at 8 p.m.
Jazz up your holidays with the swinging beats and big band sounds of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and the dynamic vocal jazz quartet, New York Voices. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of lively jazz music that is perfect for the holidays. Director and alto sax virtuoso Jim Carroll leads this ensemble comprised of the best jazz musicians from the metro area. They team up with this powerhouse quartet, whose soulful scats, close-knit voicings, and unparalleled vocal blend have earned them critical acclaim for more than 25 years. Together, they create some of the best jazzy and swinging sounds of the big band era that you will hear anywhere. This concert is guaranteed to jump start your holiday spirit. New York Voices is “the most exciting vocal ensemble in current jazz” (Boston Herald).
Pre-Performance Discussion with Bryan Kidd begins 45 minutes before the performance.
Tickets: $55, $47, $33
1 Free Student Ticket Available with Mason ID on beginning on November 22, 2016
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
December 9 at 8 p.m.
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, too. It’s time for the holidays at the Hylton Center! The American Festival Pops Orchestra comes home for Christmas with its annual decking of Merchant Hall where the ensemble fills the venue with musical merriment, spreading holiday cheer to audiences of all ages. Join us for this popular family tradition, complete with holiday musical favorites and a lively carol sing-along—always an audience favorite. Conducted by Founder and Artistic Director Anthony Maiello, this pops orchestra, comprising the most accomplished musicians from the metro area, comes together to perform the best of the season, including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “A Christmas Festival,” and other treasured classics.
Pre-Performance Discussion with a Member of the Company Kidd begins 45 minutes before the performance
Tickets: $55, $47, $33
1 Free Student Ticket Available with Mason ID beginning on November 29, 2016
Restless Heart: A Restless Heart Christmas
December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
The Restless Heart band puts its own unique country spin on Christmas classics such as “Tennessee Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “O Holy Night” in this celebration of holiday memories. The group’s authentic country twang, paired with pop-infused melodies and holiday favorites, is an unbeatable combination that strikes a sentimental and romantic chord. Thirty years and still going strong, this record-breaking band continues to delight audiences with numerous country hits, including “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” “Fast Movin’ Train,” and “When She Cries.” Their music inspires with tales of adoration, home, and patriotism. Lead vocalist and guitarist Larry Stewart—known for his solo hits “Alright Already” and “I’ll Cry Tomorrow” —is joined by the group’s original members for this special holiday performance
Tickets: $60, $51, $36
1 Free Student Ticket Available with Mason ID beginning on November 29, 2016
Gainesville Ballet: The Nutcracker
November 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Gainesville Ballet’s Nutcracker is the first and one of the finest of the holiday season! With gorgeous new sets and beautiful handmade costumes, traditional choreography, and a cast of award-winning international professional dancers, along with students of the school, this production will thrill ballet aficionados as well as families with young children.
Tickets: $40 and $35 adults, $20 and $15 children 12 and under
Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
November 26 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
NVB’s production of the timeless classic is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Starring world famous ballet superstars Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky (former ABT principals) and supported by award-winning students of the Academy of Russian Ballet.
Tickets: $35 adults, $25 seniors, 55+, $20 children 0-17
In Tune Music: Holiday Recital
November 27 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
In Tune Music Studios hosts their annual recital. All are welcome to enjoy up-and-coming area musicians.
Tickets:$10 adults, $5 children/seniors
Swing Machine Big Band: 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza!
November 30, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with Swing Machine—D.C.’s premier big band! Back for their 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, the band will add a new twist to some holiday songs—some traditional and some not so! The Band will be joined by the Combined Prince William Chorus with students from area schools. Proceeds will go to the music programs of the participating schools.
Tickets: $10 adults, children under 2 years free
Mason’s School of Music: Amahl and the Night Visitors
December 2–December 3 at 8 p.m.
December 3 at 3 p.m.
Gregory Family Theater
Mason’s School of Music showcases its talented opera singers in this celebrated operetta by Gian Carlo Menotti that tells the classic story of the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem.
Tickets: $12 adults, $8 seniors, $5 youth (through grade 12)
Angela Knight Ministries and Azalea Charities: Christmas Through Time
December 3 at 12 p.m.
Join Angela Knight and her friends as they use a wonderful time machine invented by an old professor to travel back through time. Enjoy fun Christmas music, exciting dances, and historical traditions as we end up at the first Christmas in Bethlehem.
Tickets:$25 adults, $20 seniors 60+/students under 13/ military with ID
Manassas Chorale: Rejoice and Be Merry!
December 3 at 5 p.m.
Carols and popular songs of the season performed by 100 singers and the Chorale orchestra will jump-start your holiday season. Don’t miss one of the Chorale’s most popular concerts!
Tickets:$20, $18 adults, free to Mason students and children (18 years and younger)
Asaph Dance Ensemble: Clara’s Christmas and Handel’s Messiah
December 4 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Two of the most beloved Christmas traditions are presented on the same program. Based on the well-known “Nutracker”, Clara’s Christmas is about a young girl who discovers the joy, hope, and true meaning of Christmas. The performance also includes excerpts from Handel’s Messiah.
Tickets: $30 adults, $20 seniors 65+ /students 12 and under
Osborne Park High School: Handel’s Messiah
December 6 at 7 p.m.
Join the Osbourn Park High School’s Choral Department, under the direction of Dominick Izzo, along with orchestra members and singers from OP, Patriot, and Brentsville District High Schools as they present a community sing-along of Handel’s Messiah. Professional solo voices from the D.C. metro area will also be featured. Bring your music and join in or just sit back and enjoy!
Tickets:$15 adults, $5 students 13-17, free to children 0-12/students and teachers with PWCS ID
Creative and Performing Arts Center (CAPAC): Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity
December 10 & 11 at 3 p.m.
December 10 at 7 p.m.
December 17 & 18 at 3 p.m.
December 17 at 7 p.m.
Gregory Family Theater
The Creative and Performing Arts Center (CAPAC, Inc.) is proud to present 6 performances of the classic Christmas story, Black Nativity. This soul-stirring musical production is the signature theatrical piece by acclaimed poet Langston Hughes. Hughes chronicles the original story of the Nativity through scripture, verse, music, and dance. A jubilant company of astonishing actors, dancers, vocalists, and musicians deliver a powerful message of joy, faith, victory, and deliverance. Black Nativity is an inspirational performance that touches a special place in the hearts and minds of all who attend. The show is directed by Tyrell Lashley with Catrina Stroman, choreographer, and Bobby Lacy, music director. (Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, IL.)
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Manassas Symphony Orchestra
Family Concert: Winter Carnival
December 10 at 3:30 p.m.
This annual family concert features violinist Thomas Kim, a Reagan Middle School seventh grader, and the debut of a playful new work about winter fun by one of the orchestra’s favorite composers, J. Scott McKenzie. The concert closes with its exclusive indoor holiday synchronized music and light show!
Tickets: $20 adults, $16 seniors and educators, free for students (through college)
Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
December 15–18, 20–21 at 7:30 p.m.
December 17 & 18, 22 & 23 at 3:00 p.m.
A holiday must-see tradition from the stunning opening scene to the “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” there’s something for all ages! This performance with live orchestra also features a special opening night Salute to the Military.
Tickets: $65, $55, $45, $35, $25
