Bringing us goodwill and cheer this holiday season are Hylton Center Arts Partners the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Prince William Little Theatre, Manassas Chorale, and the Manassas Ballet Theatre.
Prepare your senses for the sights and sounds of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) annual family concert Color and Light (12/4). Witness Fairfax High School junior flute soloist, Irina Lin, perform Charles Griffes’ Poem; and the world premiere of Virginia composer Jonathan Romeo’s Light, a musical portrait of the magnificent power of the human spirit.
“From the soft glow of sunrise in the folk song Early One Morning to the gentle waves of Johann Strauss's The Blue Danube; this year's concert explores how composers have used the notion of color and light in their music. Because nearly every culture celebrates some sort of festival of lights, particularly this time of year when darkness descends so early, we are delighted to close out the concert with our exclusive tradition - the Music and Light Show Spectacular! This will be the ideal concert to introduce the orchestra to new audiences, young and old” — James Villani, Music Director, Manassas Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy the holiday classics? Prince William Theatre’s (PWLT) Touring Version of A Christmas Carol (12/10—12/19) is the performance for you. The Touring Version of this holiday tale retains much of the flavor of the original, but with a unique twist.
"A Christmas Carol marks PWLT’s first holiday show since 2019. This is a slightly different version of the traditional show because Charles Dickens tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The characters are the same, but Dickens’ character adds a bit more fun to the piece. There’s a lot in store for the whole family with this holiday treat!”— Christine Mastrangelo, President of Executive Board of Directors, Prince William Little Theatre.
Continuing in the spirit of the season is Manassas Chorale’s Sing Gloria! (12/11) and Manassas Ballet Theatre’s (MBT) The Nutcracker (12/16—12/23). Manassas Chorale’s concert will include its 20-piece live orchestra and popular holiday carols for all ages.
"The Manassas Chorale's Sing Gloria! will allow our audience to hear wonderful arrangements of carols and songs, leaving them humming the melodies of Christmas. With voices and instruments, the Chorale will draw everyone into the joy of the season with carols from around the world (O Come, All Ye Faithful and Ding! Dong! Merrily on High), an arrangement of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) and a rollicking version of Jingle Bells. This family-friendly concert will appeal to all ages, and the Chorale singers are delighted to share this concert with all who attend!"— Becky Verner, Artistic Director, Manassas Chorale.
Manassas Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker makes a comeback with eight performances, complete with an ensemble cast and live accompaniment by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra.
“MBT's The Nutcracker is the largest production in Northern Virginia, and the only one that features over 20 professional dancers and live orchestra, combined with gorgeous costumes and sets that MBT is known for. I am so excited that our audience will once again be able to enjoy the magic that is The Nutcracker in the beautiful Merchant Hall”—Amy Wolfe, Artistic Director, Manassas Ballet Theatre.