Celebrate Black History Month at the Center for the Arts

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This February 2026, celebrate Black History month with performances at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, including the following highlights:

  • Virginia Opera’s Intelligence (Feb. 14–15) is an operatic drama that tells the gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. With music by Jake Heggie and a libretto by Gene Scheer, this compelling performance is set in Richmond, and shares the story of Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman who joined a Union spy network. Featuring powerful music sung in English, as well as dynamic dance.


     

  • Les Ballets Africains (Feb. 20) is the national dance company for the Republic of Guinea. For more than 70 years, these riveting dancers have captivated audiences with their unique blend of traditional African dance, music, and storytelling.


     

  • Mason Bands Concert: Dope. (Feb. 24) is a celebration of power, identity, and unapologetic expression. Featuring music by some of today’s most dynamic and visionary composers, this program amplifies Black voices and honors the trailblazing artistry that continues to shape the sound of now. The title work, Katahj Copley’s Dope, is a vibrant, genre-bending celebration of Black musical legacy, drawing inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, John Coltrane, Robert Glasper, Tyler, the Creator, Kamasi Washington, and more. 

Join in the celebration and get your tickets today!