Dear Mason Music Family,

We are thrilled to share marvelous music at Mason during these final weeks of the spring semester. Please purchase your tickets now for Mason Opera this weekend April 19-21 with four performances in a comedic double bill of Mozart's The Impresario and Steven Stucky's The Classical Style. The Mason Opera will be accompanied by our Mason Symphony Orchestra for magnificent staged productions in Harris Theater on our Fairfax campus.

We encourage you to purchase tickets to hear our Mason Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday April 23 at the iconic DC jazz club Blues Alley.  Please join us on Thursday April 25 for a ticketed performance of Mason Wind Symphony The Blue Marble: An Earth "Concertvation" Experience on our Fairfax Campus.  You are invited to purchase tickets for the Mason Symphony Orchestra concert featuring our stellar concerto soloists and selections from Bernstein's West Side Story on Friday April 26 in Mason's Center for the Arts.  

We have many outstanding free chamber concerts and student degree recitals on our Fairfax campus that you will not want to miss! Tonight (April 17) at 8 pm our New Sound Collective will present Obscure Sorrows, new and experimental music by Mason student composers and guest composer. The Mason Guitar Ensemble will perform this Sunday, April 21 at 1 pm. Additional free concerts on April 24-28 include Piano Chamber Ensemble, Vocal Performance Seminar, Healing Arts Ensemble, Mason Electronic Music Ensemble (MEME), and Strings Chamber Ensemble.  

We are so very proud of our Mason Music students and their incredible work and accomplishments throughout this semester. We hope you will join us for our finale Honors Recital on Sunday May 5, an auditioned recital featuring extraordinary student artists. 

Huge thanks to our Friends of Music at Mason for your enthusiastic support of our Dewberry School of Music students and faculty. We look forward to greeting everyone on our beautiful George Mason University campus as we showcase our outstanding student artists.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Linda A. Monson, Director

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music

Mason Opera presents

Mozart's The Impresario and Steven Stucky's The Classical Style: An Opera (of Sorts)

Friday, April 19, at 8 pm

Saturday, April 20, at 2 pm and 8 pm

Sunday, April 21, at 3 pm

Harris Theatre

$20 General Public, $15 Seniors, $5 Students

Double the Laughs! Don’t miss this rare operatic comedy double bill! First up, Mozart’s witty “The Impresario,” a battle of divas and egos set to sublime music. Witness the clash between two divas, millionaire patrons, and the impresario in this lively singspiel. Everyone learns to stand back when two divas both want top billing! Then, dive into the whimsical world of “The Classical Style: An Opera (Of Sorts),” where Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven embark on a hilarious quest to save classical music and to reclaim its glory. With rich orchestral scores and unforgettable characters, this double bill promises an evening of laughter and enchantment!

Mason Wind Symphony

The Blue Marble: An eARTh Concertvation Experience

Thursday, April 25 at 8 pm | Pre-Concert Discussion 6:30 pm

Center for the Arts Concert Hall

$12 General Public, $8 Seniors, $5 Students

In collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Mason Wind Symphony presents “The Blue Marble: An Earth Concertvation Experience.” Guest are invited to a Pre-Concert Discussion titled “Mission eARTh – A Call to action for Artists and Audience in Earth Conservation,” a sustainability marketplace featuring vendors who repurpose goods in unique ways, and to explore emerging research from various Mason disciplines that are tackling issues on climate change, our ecosystem, and impactful initiatives that raise awareness.

The featured Wind Symphony concert presents works that connect themes of our planet and the concert experience. The concert opens with Jun Nagao’s “Earth” from “The Planets” by Trouvère. This thrilling work uses themes by beloved classical composer Gustav Holst imaginatively as a nod to his popular compositions personifying the planets of our solar system.

The Mason Wind Symphony is excited to perform newly hired Professor of Composition Andrea Reinkemeyer’s “Smoulder” inspired by our ever-increasing concern about climate change as witnessed in forest fires. The work creatively uses the wind ensemble as a medium to challenge audiences to take action on complex issues of our planet through color, tension, and effect.

The Mason Wind Symphony will welcome to the stage, retiring professor of the Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music, Anthony Maiello. Professor Anthony Maiello conducted the Mason Bands with vigor and passion leading to the growth and artistry that still radiates in the Mason Bands and throughout the School of Music. Maiello will conduct an arrangement of Bob Thiele and George Weiss’ “What a Wonderful World” made popular by Louis Armstrong.

The concert ends with Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. 6: “The Blue Marble,” a symphony written to high-definition film that captures the beauty of the history of our planet, the cultures that define it, and the harmony that is required to sustain it. Audiences will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest in this thrilling conclusion to the program.

6:30pm-7:45pm Sustainability Marketplace Opens to the Public

6:30pm-7:30pm Pre-Concert Discussion: Mission eARTh – A call to action for artists and audiences in Earth Conservation

8:00pm-9:30pm Mason Wind Symphony Concert: “The Blue Marble”

Mason Orchestras: Concerto Competition Winners Concert

Friday, April 26 at 8 pm

Center for the Arts Concert Hall

$20 General Public, $15 Seniors, $5 Students

The Mason Orchestras invite you to join us for our final performance of the season! Conducted by Dr. Soo Han, Clem Pearson, and Michael Stern, this performance will feature both the Mason Concert Orchestra and Mason Symphony Orchestra performing a vast array of musical styles, from Puccini to pop and everything in between! This performance will also celebrate the winners of the 2024 Dewberry School of Music Concerto Competition: Jamilah Barnes (soprano), Ya Chi Tang (piano), Andrew Bell (bassoon), and Michael Abernathy (marimba). The evening will conclude with music from Bernstein’s beloved West Side Story. We hope you can join us on Friday, April 26, at 8:00 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall!

Jamilah Barnes, soprano, is a native of Washington D.C. and a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. In 2018, she graduated from West Virginia University with a dual focus in Music and Sociology. She has been recognized for her talent by receiving multiple awards from the National Association of Teachers of Singing, as well as receiving an Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Voice Performance at George Mason University as a student of Prof. Richard Leech. Jamilah will be featured in a leading role in the Mason Opera production of Mozart’s Impresario as Madame Goldentrill.

Ya-Chi Tang, pianist, is a native of Taiwan. Ya-Chi is pursuing a master’s degree in Piano Performance at George Mason University under the tutelage of Dr. Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist. With a dual bachelor’s degree in Learning and Materials Design and Piano Performance from the University of Taipei, Taiwan, Ya-Chi graduated with distinction in Piano Performance and in Design. Starting her piano journey at age six, Ya-Chi excelled in Taiwan's Special Music Program and later embraced the viola, undergoing professional training throughout her years in junior high school. Driven by a passion for exploration, Ya-Chi revels in experimenting with various expressions and styles, finding joy not only in solo piano but also in collaborative piano. Her first year at George Mason University was immersed with performance opportunities, including solo piano and collaborative piano roles. She performed in Christopher O’Riley’s Piano Master Class and collaborated with the Mason Wind Symphony. With joyful anticipation, she looks forward to sharing her passion for music and zest for life through her performance of Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto with the Mason Symphony Orchestra. 

Andrew Bell, bassoonist, is a native of Falls Church, Virginia. He has over 11 years of experience playing the bassoon and has held many musical honors throughout his life. He received the Director’s Award in Middle School for most outstanding band student and held District X honors 5 times from Middle School to High School. He is a Monson Scholar at GMU, and, most recently, was a finalist for the MGL Concerto Competition (2023, 2024). Currently at Mason, Andrew holds the position of Principal Bassoonist for both the Symphony Orchestra (2022-present) and Wind Symphony (2021-present). He also regularly performs in various chamber ensembles, including a VMEA Professional Development Conference performance in the 5-2-5 Woodwind Quintet. Andrew is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance at George Mason University and is a student of Christopher E. Jewell.

Michael Abernathy, marimbist, is from the small town of Waxhaw, near Charlotte, North Carolina. Michael earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University in 2016, and earned his Master's Degree in Percussion Performance at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC in 2018. Michael is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Percussion Performance at George Mason University. Michael was the drummer for Depot Street, a funk-rock band based in Boone, NC. He was instrumental in releasing their 2021 debut album, Home, Sweet Home, He is currently recording his solo debut album, a funk-rock album titled To the Wind featuring 13 original songs, due to be released in 2024. ​Michael has served as the Front Ensemble Instructor for the Marching Mountaineers at Appalachian State University. He now serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at George Mason teaching Musics of the World and Class Percussion. He also serves as  Front Ensemble Instructor at West Potomac High School. As an arranger, he has written front ensemble and full percussion books for a variety of marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles. He composes a new show of entirely original music every season for West Potomac High School Indoor Percussion.

New Sound Collective Concert

Wednesday, April 17 at 8 pm

DeLaski 3001

Free and Open to the Public. No tickets or registration required. 

New Sound Collective presents two pieces by guest composer Dr. Armando Bayolo ("Otoño" and "Childhood") as well as premiere performances by Mason student composers.

Guitar Ensemble Concert

Sunday, April 21 at 1 pm

deLaski 3001

Free and Open to the Public. No tickets or registration required. 

Join us for the George Mason University Guitar Ensemble’s concert. Under the direction of Professor Matt Trkula, the George Mason University Guitar Ensemble features School of Music guitar students from a variety of majors including guitar performance, music technology, and music education. The group performs music that spans the entire course of Western music ranging from Renaissance to contemporary composers.

Mason music students can earn credit for MUSI 300. Admission is free, and the event is open to everyone!

Piano Chamber Ensembles Concert

Wednesday, April 24 at 5 pm

Choral Room (deLaski Performing Arts Building Rm. A323)

Free and Open to the Public. No tickets or registration required. 

Featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Weber, Liszt, Schumann, and Moszkowski.

Vocal Performance Seminar Recital

Thursday, April 25 at 3 pm

Center for the Arts Monson Grand Tier 3

Free and Open to the Public. No tickets or registration required. 

Come hear Mason's vocal students present a recital featuring some of your favorite arias and art songs!

Piano Masterclass on Friday, April 26 at 11:30 am - 1:20 pm in Choral Room

Chopin Lecture-Recital on Monday, April 29 at 12:30 pm in Harris Theatre

Piano Masterclass on Monday, April 29 at 1:30 pm -2:30 pm in Harris Theatre

Our Music For Well-Being Program's Healing Arts Ensemble will present "Restorative Sounds" on Saturday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. in deLaski 3001. All Educators are invited as our VIPs in appreciation for all you do! MUSI 300 credit offered.

Mason Electronic Music Ensemble (MEME)

Saturday, April 27 at 5 pm in deLaski 3001

Please join the Mason Electronic Music Ensemble (MEME) for "Nightcall," a concert of pop tunes, film music, and classical favorites arranged for electronic instruments. The program includes music from the film Transformers, Kavinsky, Owl City, Eurythmics, Men at Work, Satie, and Everglow. Free admission and MUSI 300 credit offered.

Strings Chamber Ensemble Concert

Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm in Harris Theatre

Don't miss our Strings Chamber Ensemble Concert on Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm in Harris Theatre under the direction of Prof. June Huang, Director of Strings and featuring the works of Schumann and Beethoven. Free admission and MUSI 300 credit offered.

We are pleased to announce our Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital will be on Sunday, May 5 at 3 pm in Harris Theatre. Our Honors Recital showcases our amazing Mason Music Students including solo and small ensemble performances with piano, voice, strings, and woodwind instruments. Free Admission and MUSI 300 credit offered.

Mason Jazz Ensemble

Tuesday, April 23 at 7 pm

Blues Alley

1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20007

$25 Tickets/$7 Fees

Jim Carroll directs the Mason Jazz Ensemble at Washington, D.C.'s historic Jazz club, BLUES ALLEY! This very special performance in the nation's oldest Jazz Supper Club is one you don't want to miss!

The Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, offers opportunities for improvisation, performance, recording, writing, leadership, and service. This ensemble has performed at venues including the Shanghai Concert Hall (Beijing, China), Center for the Arts, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jazz4Justice™ concerts, Blues Alley, Big Band Jam, Chantilly Jazz Festival, Law Day and the Jazz Education Network/JENerations Jazz Festival (New Orleans and Orlando). They have had the honor of sharing the stage with Eric Alexander, NEA Jazz Master, Maria Schneider, and American Jazz Bassist, Christian McBride!

All student recitals are in person and live-streamed.

The 3rd Annual Fairfax Muster

Veterans Amphitheater in the City of Fairfax

Sunday April 28, 2024 at 1pm

Hosted by the Green Machine Ensembles from George Mason University, the City of Fairfax, and Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts

Congratulations to Mason Choirs and Dr. Lisa Billingham, Director of Choral Activities for their collaboration with the George Mason University Department of Mechanical Engineering for building a motorized Vitruvian man for tonight's concert, "Flying to the Stars, DaVinci and Beyond." Dr. Billingham worked with the Polymaths, a group of senior engineering students as part of their capstone project.

The performance is dedicated to the beginnings of flight from the time of Leonardo da Vinci to the exploration of space. At tonight's concert students will perform Jocelyn Hagen's “The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci” and “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine” by Eric Whitacre. A piece by alum Peter Kadeli will also be performed.  

Article published on April 8, 2024 by Shayla Brown

Being invited to perform at the White House is an exciting honor for any ensemble, but for George Mason University’s Green Machine Ensembles, it’s an environment where they are quickly becoming comfortable. Following their inaugural performance at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2023, the ensembles were invited back for the beloved annual event on April 1, 2024. Despite gloomy weather, the Green Machine Ensembles showed delighted crowds how the rain can’t keep them down with a high-energy performance that kept guests mesmerized.

Article published on April 4, 2024 by Lakin Raybuck, Emily Schneider; Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry/Green Machine Ensembles