A story around the world, Peter Pan is an adventure that we take with the Darling children who escape with Peter to Never Land. It’s a land with Indians, pirates, fairies and mermaids—and a world where childhood reigns free. More
JMU alumnus and country singer Phil Vassar returns to campus for two performances with his band. With unbounded energy and limitless talent, Vassar has proven himself, again and again, as one of Nashville’s most prolific and versatile stars. More
This concert features both “New and Old” in wind band music. First year composition professor Eric Guinivan represents the “New” by performing his Fractured Light. Paul Hindemith’s monumental work for band, the Symphony in Bb, represents the “Old.” Other works include Fantasia and Fugue in c minor, Ron Nelson’s Rocky Point Holiday and Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances. More
This one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza showcases some of JMU’s finest faculty talent and music ensembles, including the Marching Royal Dukes, Wind Symphony, Brass Band, Chorale and Steel Band. One of JMU’s favorite Family Weekend traditions, this concert is great entertainment for all ages! More
“Consistently demonstrating a flair for inventive programming” (The New York Times), this New York-based, world-class ensemble includes conductor Rob Paterson, who has been praised by the press for writing “exuberant and rhythmically vital music marked by energy and a wonderful sense of color.” More
This concert features electronic and acoustic music by JMU and guest composers, including several works by Christopher Cook and one work by Robert Paterson. Cook is the director of music theory and composition at Christopher Newport University. Paterson is co-founder, artistic director and conductor of American Modern Ensemble. More
This concert featues the JMU choirs as well as a piece called Hubble's Eye, which includes projected images from the Hubble Space Telescope. More
Defending the Caveman holds the record as the longest running solo play in Broadway history. Declared “a nationwide comic phenomenon” by The New York Times, Caveman makes us roar with laughter and recognition about all the ways men and women fight, love and laugh. Kevin Burke is a former Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year and holds the Guinness World Record for "Most Theatrical Performances in 50 Days." More
100th Birthday Celebration for Benjamin Britten
featuring Kevin McMillan, baritone, Gabriel Dobner, piano, Carl Donakowski, cello, and Carrie Stevens, mezzo-soprano
RECITAL HALL
Music faculty members Kevin McMillan, Gabriel Dobner, Carl Donakowski and Carrie Stevens join forces to present an all-Britten program featuring the Songs and Proverbs of William Blake, the Cello Sonata op.65, and Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac. More
The music of Tim Berne’s jazz quartet has been described as “unpredictable and fresh” (All About Jazz). In their four years together, Berne and his band of New York standouts – drummer/percussionist Ches Smith, pianist Matt Mitchell and clarinetist Oscar Noriega and – have developed a rapport that sounds like communal telepathy. More
Join us for a mid-semester concert featuring the University Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy, and the Treble Chamber Choir, University Men’s Chorus and University Combined Choruses, under the direction of W. Bryce Hayes. More
This contemporary musical theatre showcase includes new Broadway favorites, works from lesser-known Off-Broadway shows, and songs from emerging professional musical theatre composers who hope their work will reach “The Great White Way.” More
Since ancient times, artists have depicted the graceful form of birds and flowers. Whether viewed as representations of the gods or emblems of paradise on Earth, this exhibition displays works that celebrate the beauty of nature in many cultures from the ancient world through modern times. More
Rebecca Ringquist is a Brooklyn-based visual artist and designer. Her stitched drawings on fabric explore issues of identity. She learned how to embroider in college in a feminist art history class, and has been inspired by the history of American needlework ever since. More
Active as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician and clinician, Dr. Michele Kirkdorffer has performed in venues such as the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Sarasota Music Festival, and in Lucca, Italy. Dr. Kirkdorffer takes the stage with fellow faculty member Lori Piitz, who enjoys a performance career that includes solo, four-hand and chamber music. More
JMU piano faculty member Eric Ruple will present a performance of the complete 24 Préludes of Claude Debussy. Somewhat lost in the shadow of the 100th Anniversary celebration of the premiere of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, these equally transformative pieces also were first performed in 1913. More
JMU dance faculty artist Kate Trammell performs Namely, Muscles, a solo, comic masterpiece by world-renowned choreographer Claire Porter. More
The JMU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Robert McCashin, is the premier symphonic ensemble for the JMU School of Music. The Symphony has performed regularly as the invited college ensemble for the Virginia Music Educators Association. More
The Madison Singers is the advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble at JMU. Ranging from 60-80 voices, the JMU Chorale is an auditioned and highly select choir. More
One of the greatest plays to meditate on the limits and power of individual choice, the costs of war on civilians and families, and the boundaries of humanity, this timeless work has found new life on the world’s stages in recent years. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. More
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Stephen P. Bolstad is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind-band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition. More
The 2012 NEA Jazz Master, Sheila Jordan is one of the premier singers in jazz. She started out singing with some of New York’s jazz giants, including Charles Mingus, Herbie Nichols and Charlie Parker. “Her voice is pure magic” (San Francisco Bay Guardian). More
Mozart’s mesmerizing classic The Magic Flute will cast its spell and transport audiences of all ages to a mythical land of enchantment. With soaring melodies, lush sets and charming yet elusive characters, The Magic Flute is one of the most popular operas of all time. More
Autumn Opera Gala
VIP Seating for The Magic Flute, a Pre-Performance Reception and Dialogue
GRAND LOBBY / MAINSTAGE THEATRE
This exquisite evening features a cocktail reception in the Grand Lobby, a pre-performance “backstory chat” about The Magic Flute presented by a noted opera scholar, and the 8 pm performance. Opera Director Dr. Don Rierson and members of the cast will be in attendance to greet guests. More
Aquila Theatre, one of the foremost producers of touring classical theatre, will breathe new life into Ray Bradbury’s visionary parable of a society gone awry. Don’t miss this exhilarating and explosive drama! More
This showcase of new choreography offers audiences an opportunity to see the work of the Dance Program’s talented young artists. More
The JMU Brass Band is the university’s premiere brass ensemble. Directed by professor of music Kevin Stees, it is one of only a few collegiate brass bands in the United States. More
The JMU Percussion Ensemble, directed by William C. Rice and Dr. Michael Overman, consists of nearly 30 students and has performed throughout the East Coast, including concerts at the Virginia Music Educators Association Convention and Virginia Days of Percussion. More
This exhibition presents the students' semester projects from the IVS Writing and Illustrating Literature course in which student writers and illustrators collaborated to create graphic novels, children’s books, comics and text art. More
The JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band were founded in 1971. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and Virginia Music Educator's Association annual convention. More
Offering an “eclectic range of well-performed, engaging dance works” (Style Weekly), JMU’s premier dance group will present a cutting-edge program focusing on the new terrains of contemporary dance in the 21st century. Features works by nationally and internationally recognized guest artists, including a JMU alumna and faculty members. More
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Stephen P. Bolstad is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind-band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition. More
Holidayfest
Featuring the JMU Symphony Orchestra, Madison Singers and Chorale and Special Guest, the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir
CONCERT HALL
This community favorite returns with a variety of holiday classics and masterworks including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. Features the SVCC and JMU ensembles, plus a holiday reading by a local Harrisonburg celebrity. Prior to the December 8th matinee (at 12:30 pm), children can enjoy crafts, cookies and cider. More
Due to high sales demand, we have opened up seating in the Choral Balcony behind the stage. Because of specific seating guidelines for this unique concert, these discounted seats can only be purchased by phone at (540) 568-7000 or in person at the box office. One of the leading ensembles of traditional music in Ireland, Danú brings a heartwarming and high-energy Celtic Christmas celebration to the Forbes Center. More
From the University of Illinois at Chicago, Daniel Sauter is an artist who creates interactive installations and site-specific interventions pertaining to the cultural and social implications of emergent technologies. Shannon McMullen and Fabian Winkler teach at Purdue University. McMullen has an interest in art practice that engages and shapes the experience of urban spaces. Winkler is an artist working at the intersections of the moving image, sound, spatial structures and robotics. More
A worldwide dance phenomenon, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Don’t miss this rhythmic performance brimming with airtight synchronization, exuberant joy and a sense of humor! A Forbes Family Fun event. More
This exhibition displays, for the first time, a portrait of Rembrandt’s wife Saskia and etchings from the Madison Art Collection, as well as Dutch 17th-century books from Eastern Mennonite University. More
This critically acclaimed, hip adaptation of a classic Russian fairytale is brought to vibrant new life by the storytelling genius of David Gonzalez, who “has the gift of creating magical worlds and drawing his audience into them” (The New York Times). A Forbes Family Fun event. More
Acclaimed for his brilliant musicianship and “almost god-like technique” (Auditorium Magazine, Korea), Andrew Simon is Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Simon shares the stage with Dr. Paulo Steinberg, who has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist in the United States, Brazil, Canada and Iceland. More
Takuya Muramatsu of Dairakudakan
The Art of Butoh: A Contemporary Japanese Dance Form
EARLYNN J. MILLER DANCE THEATRE
Experience the mystery and beauty of the Japanese dance art form known as Butoh. This concert includes a work by Takuya Muramatsu of Dairakudakan, one of the great exponents of the dynamic art form, made with JMU theatre and dance students, as well as a solo and group work by adjunct faculty member Julia Vessey, a former member of Dairakudakan. More
Amsterdam-based Calefax Reed Quintet is acclaimed for its contemporary yet timeless interpretations of classical music. The Times of London has called the group, “five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem [like] the best musical format on the planet.” More
Graduate students from the JMU Opera Theater will perform works like “E lucevan le stelle” from Puccini’s magnificent opera Tosca, and “Largo al Factotum” from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, considered one of the most challenging baritone arias to perform. More
One of the most exciting musicians to come onto the jazz scene in the last 20 years" (DownBeat Magazine), Omer Avital is a visionary composer and virtuoso bassist whose quintet of leading jazz musicians is providing audiences with both swing and spiritual sustenance. More
JMU's senior dance majors are on the verge of graduation and entering into their exciting careers as dance artists. Come watch them as they showcase their amazing work in this annual concert. More
The most creative visual arts event in the Valley features tours of three exciting exhibitions on JMU’s campus, curated talks, appetizers, drinks, dessert and conversation. Bus transportation provided. More
The Madison Singers is the advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble at JMU. Ranging from 60-80 voices, the JMU Chorale is an auditioned and highly select choir. More
Really Inventive Stuff
The Story of Babar, Toy Symphony and more!
Starring Michael Boudewyns and Special Guests
CONCERT HALL
Dubbed “a great storyteller” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Really Inventive Stuff actor Michael Boudewyns returns to the Forbes Center for performances of Jean de Brunhoff’s The Story of Babar, Mozart’s Toy Symphony and Rossini’s Duet for Two Cats, accompanied by musical guests. Features the JMU Opera Theater. A Forbes Family Fun event. More
The JMU Brass Band is the university’s premiere brass ensemble. Directed by professor of music Kevin Stees, it is one of only a few collegiate brass bands in the United States. More
Orpheus is a Grammy Award-winning classical music chamber orchestra that performs without a conductor. The group will take the stage with virtuoso violinist Ryu Goto for performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings. More
ALL SHOOK UP
Inspired by and featuring the songs of ELVIS PRESLEY®
Book by JOE DIPIETRO
MAINSTAGE THEATRE
This hysterical musical is guaranteed to have your entire family jumpin’ out of their blue suede shoes! Features 24 of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits including such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” More
The JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band were founded in 1971. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and Virginia Music Educator's Association annual convention. More
This renowned, professional dance company will demonstrate unparalleled versatility and virtuosity as dancers display a vast array of techniques and forms. More
This performance blends a dynamic presentation with behind-the-scenes insights into the choreographic process, stage production and dance technique. A one-hour exploration of dance. A Forbes Family Fun event. More
This exhibit explores Charles Lisanby's artistic foundations through his life studies. Lisanby is primarily remembered as an Emmy Award-winning set designer for American television and theater, but these studies of the human body provide insightful evidence of his classical artistic training. More
This third annual event features JMU’s a cappella groups, plus a cappella groups from Harrisonburg High School and Rockingham County Public Schools. A Forbes Family Fun event. More
The JMU Jazz Ensemble was founded in 1971 and is the premier jazz group in the School of Music at JMU. The group has been featured with the U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble and U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble, and at the East Coast Jazz Festival in Rockville, Md. More
With its mesmerizing rhythms and intricate melodies, Carmina Burana is a favorite with classical audiences everywhere. Come enjoy one of the most well-loved, sacred, choral/orchestral masterworks! More
Enjoy a complete evening of entertainment featuring three distinctive presentations in three Forbes Center venues, plus a movable feast that includes appetizers, drinks and dessert, and the opportunity to mingle with other arts enthusiasts! More
This musical favorite returns to the line-up with performances by internationally acclaimed marimbist and percussionist Kevin Bobo, faculty guest artist Dr. Andrew Connell, and JMU’s Orchestra. Don’t miss Mr. Bobo’s wizardry on the marimba and a Brazilian-style street parade! A Forbes Family Fun event. More
Witness the blossoming of new dance artists in a concert featuring the work of selected dance majors showcasing diverse approaches and styles. Also features new work by New York choreographers, Xan Burley and Alex Stringer, as well as JMU faculty members. More
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Stephen P. Bolstad is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind-band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition. More
The JMU Brass Band is the university’s premiere brass ensemble. Directed by professor of music Kevin Stees, it is one of only a few collegiate brass bands in the United States. More
NEA Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and Tony Award nominee Branford Marsalis brings his Quartet of musical friends for a performance of “substance, urgency and excellence”(All About Jazz). More
Set sail on the high seas with Gilbert and Sullivan’s gleeful and sassy satire H.M.S. Pinafore. This lighthearted and hilarious operetta spoofs British social mores in a convoluted tale of mistaken identity and star-crossed lovers. More
The JMU Jazz Ensemble was founded in 1971 and is the premier jazz group in the School of Music at JMU. The group has been featured with the U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble and U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble, and at the East Coast Jazz Festival in Rockville, Md. More
This exciting dance event features talented young dancers and choreographers from JMU's Dance program. More
The Madison Singers is the advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble at JMU. Ranging from 60-80 voices, the JMU Chorale is an auditioned and highly select choir. More
Experience the excitement of the JMU Symphony Honors Concert as the JMU Symphony Orchestra accompanies the winners of the prestigious School of Music Concerto Competition. More
The JMU Percussion Ensemble, directed by William C. Rice and Dr. Michael Overman, consists of nearly 30 students and has performed throughout the East Coast, including concerts at the Virginia Music Educators Association Convention and Virginia Days of Percussion. More
“Vital, sharp-witted and ferociously smart” (The New York Times), Clybourne Park pits Race against Real Estate in this 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award-winning play. Two generations of characters dance around social politics in one house on two afternoons, 50 years apart. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. More
The JMU Brass Band is the university’s premiere brass ensemble. Directed by professor of music Kevin Stees, it is one of only a few collegiate brass bands in the United States. More
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Stephen P. Bolstad is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind-band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition. More
James Tocco
Featured pianist for the 2014 American Liszt Society Festival at JMU (June 6-8)
CONCERT HALL
James Tocco will perform Liszt’s Harmonies Poetiques et Religeuses. Tocco is renowned for his “intensely concentrated playing, precisely gauged and rhythmically fluid” (The Detroit News) interpretations of Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. More
