FOR GENERAL RELEASE
August 21, 2023 - Fresh off a summer busy with full-house performances of Lionel Bart's Oliver! in collaboration with Prince William Little Theater, the award-winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra is ready for another season of memorable classical performances with acclaimed soloists at Merchant Hall in the Hylton Performing Arts Center on George Mason University's Science and Technology Campus in Manassas.

To begin its fourth decade of service to the community, Maestro James Villani and the Manassas Symphony present a concert that showcases classical masterpieces inspired by rich folk traditions. For Folk Echoes on Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 PM, audience favorite David Pedraza returns to play the brilliant and evocative Viola Concerto in A minor by one of the most important composers of the 20th century, Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist Béla Bartók. Pedraza was born in Reynosa, Mexico and received a full scholarship to Shenandoah Conservatory. He has performed across the globe, throughout North and South America, Europe, and the UK. Currently he is principal violist with Symphony of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale. The concert includes other folk-inspired works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Alexander Borodin, and Manuel de Falla.

Bring all the kids (they’re always free!) and join the MSO on Saturday, December 2 at 3:30 PM for Nature's Rhythms — an unforgettable family concert experience as they bring the beauty of nature to life through music. Kyle Ryu, a senior cellist from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, is be our featured soloist. Kyle is a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Recipient and recently appeared on the NPR program From the Top, a national radio show that highlights the finest young classically-trained musicians in the nation. The show closes as always with the MSO’s exclusive colorful Music and Light Show Spectacular!

March concerts are always a little different and Seriously Fun, on March 2 at 7:30 PM, is no exception as we have some serious fun with the musicians of the Manassas Symphony. Concertmaster and 25-year MSO veteran Emil Cheytanov brings his warm and vibrant solo violin sound to the haunting — and very serious — Three Pieces from Schindler's List by John Williams. Our two pianists (and sometimes percussionists)Mary Garrahan and Sarah Clements join forces on the Hylton Center's two concert grands for Camille Saint-Säens' Carnival of the Animals, with the classic verses by Ogden Nash. The merriment also includes music of the Beatles in a unique orchestral setting and Symphonic Dances from “Fiddler on the Roof” — all seriously too much fun to miss!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! on Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 PM, as the MSO welcomes the Clarinet Queen of New Orleans, Doreen Ketchens, for an exclusive performance of Dixieland favorites in her unique and inimitable style, accompanied by the full orchestra. This performance by one of the greatest jazz clarinetists of all time is sure to be a memorable experience. The first half of the program includes Ferde Grofé's symphonic homage to New Orleans, Mississippi Suite, and his Three Shades of Blue.

Adult single concert tickets are $30. All children and student tickets (through college) are free. Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 703-993-7759. Discounts are available for groups 10 and more in advance only at the box office.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
September 27, 2022 - After a busy summer of successful performances of The Sound of Music with Prince William Little Theater, hosting The Raleigh Ringers, and three rocking pops concerts, the award-winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra is set to kick off its thirtieth year. Under the direction of 2022 Seefeldt Award Outstanding Artist, conductor James Villani, the MSO is ready for another season of memorable classical performances with acclaimed soloists at Merchant Hall in the Hylton Performing Arts Center on George Mason University's Science and Technology Campus in Manassas.

The Symphony starts off its 30th season with Celebrations on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 PM. Together with piano virtuoso Thomas Pandolfi, they celebrate Hungarian composer Franz Liszt’s 211th birthday with Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major. The Asheville [NC] Citizen-Times says about Pandolfi, “His virtuosity and strength… might have had some believing that Liszt himself had taken over the keyboard,” while the Washington Post declares him "A master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line…."

Explorations, the MSO’s annual family concert on Saturday, December 10 at 3:30 PM, takes listeners on a musical journey. We are proud to present the world premiere of Manassas composer Ben Bernstein’s work based on award-winning author and New Yorker cover artist Bob Staake’s new book, The Path. Together with Bernstein’s beautiful music, the book’s lyrical words and stunning illustrations lead children and adults alike to discover that our path through life is all our own to discover and invent. John Ross, a senior violist at Patriot HS, is the soloist for Weber’s adventurous Andante and Rondo Ungarese and operatic soprano Christine Maxted sings Puccini’s beloved aria, O mio babbino caro.

Joseph Kingma makes a return appearance with the MSO for Inspirations on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 PM. He is playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor. Kingma’s playing is described by the New York Concert Review as“[coaxing] the listener into the music’s poetry from the very first notes… showing the command of a master and a composer’s insight. [T]hough his technique emerged through the program as one which is capable of anything, it was always used in the service of the music itself.”

Closing the season with on Saturday, May 6 at 7:30 PM with Aspirations, the MSO is joined by internationally acclaimed young pianist Alexander Bernstein, professor of piano at Shenandoah Conservatory. He is headlining a program of American composers with Edward MacDowell’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in A Major.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 703-993-7759. All children and student tickets (through college) are free. Discounts are available for groups 10 and more in advance only at the box office.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
May 3, 2022 - The Manassas Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to present the internationally acclaimed Raleigh Ringers in concert, playing in the beautiful Merchant Hall of the Hylton Performing Arts Center and featuring MSO musicians. Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has dazzled audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, including famous rock ’n’ roll tunes arranged just for handbells. The concert includes Matthew Compton and William Payn's Lux Aeterna for handbells and strings, with members of the MSO.

Under the direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers is considered among the finest - if not the finest - handbell ensembles in the world. The group's tours have included performances in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, England, and France. They play two sold-out dates each year at major venues in Raleigh. The ensemble has released seven CDs, and two DVDs of holiday concerts - "One Winter Evening at Meymandi" and "A December Tradition." Three one-hour holiday concert specials have been broadcast hundreds of times on over 250 American Public Television stations in 45 states.

The Raleigh Ringers, like the MSO, are an advanced community service music ensemble and sponsor an annual festival for adult ringers, an annual festival for youth and novice ringers, handbell techniques classes, and performance experiences for advanced ringers.

This exclusive Northern Virginia performance is Saturday evening, August 27, 2022, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available now at the Hylton Center box office or online* at https://mso.me/rrtix22. Ticket prices are $25 adults and seniors (62+); $20 military (active and retired); $10 students and youth (18 and under).

*Online ticket prices include a tickets.com surcharge.

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Date - April 28, 2022 - The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announced Thursday that is has awarded the Manassas Symphony Orchestra a grant of $5000 through its 2022 Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts. The grant is to help build organizational capacity and strengthen current programming.

As the Community Foundation’s core grants program, funds are invested in organizations serving the Northern Virginia community in the areas of Aging, Arts, Child and Youth Development, Education, Environment, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Military Personnel and Families, and Safety Net to Support Basic Needs. This represents the largest ever discretionary grants cycle in the Community Foundation’s history.

The growth of this discretionary grants program is possible due to the Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia, a permanent endowment that the Community Foundation is developing to support our region today, and in the future. To date, the Permanent Fund is valued at over $27 million in current and planned gifts.

A few weeks ago, the Community Foundation convened several volunteer committees, a total of 78 volunteers, that consisted of area experts, donors, Foundation board members, and others to review applications.

Diane Bennett, President of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, had this to say about the award: “All of us at the Manassas Symphony Orchestra are thrilled and honored to be one of the 2022 Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts grant recipients. Grant funds will be used to continue MSO’s efforts to build a world class, dynamic classical symphony through building a solid organizational foundation and enhancing our existing programs to attract a larger audience.”

MSO Musicians at the Manassas Train Station
(L-R) David Boyer, Veronica Miller, Emil Cheytanov,
Connie Pittman, Steven Darling, Katie St. Pierre, James Villani

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
February 17, 2020 - Ron Sharpe was a junior at Gar-Field High School in 1971 when he and his rock-bandmates were abuzz about rock and roll royalty visiting Manassas. Superstar Stephen Stills, famous already for being a part of both Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, was a Civil War buff and brought his yet-unnamed new band to town to shoot photos for an upcoming album. The one they liked best had the band standing on the train station platform under a “Manassas” sign, and thus the band and album were named. Manassas is considered a rock masterpiece.

Fast-forward nearly 50 years and the Sharpe family experience came full circle when his daughter, Veronica Miller, a first violinist in the Manassas Symphony, took part in a symphonic homage to that classic album cover. For classically trained Ms. Miller, the experience brought together different parts of her world, “I grew up listening to 60s and 70s rock records with my dad, and I had the experience of seeing CSNY in concert with my parents as a teenager. Plus, my whole musical life has been centered in Old Town Manassas.”

For Music Director James Villani, the album art re-creation was the culmination of an idea that was a long time coming. “I’ve been a fan of this album and its cover for quite a while.” Since joining the MSO in 2002, Mr. Villani had nurtured the idea of recreating this iconic photo at the historic Manassas train station with symphony musicians. The upcoming American Idols concert provided the perfect opportunity.

The MSO partnered with Ginger Carroll of Sweet Ginger Snaps photography to do their shoot on a sunny Sunday morning in October. Ms. Carroll offered, “I was so excited to help remake this photo. Seeing the old photo with the band posed in an area that I walk by often was really cool – possibly the coolest shot I’ve done.”

Final touches were added by Jessica Caporaletti, a Graphic Designer with Allen Wayne in Warrenton. “Despite being a millennial, my music preferences are from the 70s, 80s, and 90s,” says Ms. Caporaletti. “I was familiar with the original album cover and was thrilled to work on this project.”

The final results are a witty tribute to the original. Musicians in concert black pose casually holding their instruments and making stoic faces similar to their rock counterparts. Maestro Villani occupies Mr. Stills’ position, leaning against the post, crossed legged. Ms. Miller’s scarf is a nod to the one Al Perkins wears in the original. The names that appear in big block letters are the American composers the MSO is playing this season.

Ms. Caporaletti says, “Overall we really wanted to capture the essence of the original album cover while still giving the final artwork its own unique touch. Using Photoshop, we achieved the same grainy effect as the film camera image.” Ms. Carroll adds, “I’m happy that we were able to capture the right feel. What a fabulous experience!”

The concert on March 7 starts at 7:30 pm in the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Under the baton of Music Director, James Villani, American Idols presents music from three of America’s greatest composers: Aaron Copland’s Quiet City, Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story,” and Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 (Romantic). Tickets start at $16 and are free for children and students through college. Contact the Hylton Center Box Office at 703-993-7759. More information on the MSO is available at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
October 7, 2019 - On October 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the MSO, under the baton of its Music Director, James Villani, will open the 2019-2020 season. The concert will feature a performance of the marvelous Symphony No. 1 in E minor by American composer Florence Price. She is noted as the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer, and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra. Born in Arkansas and educated at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, she composed this symphony, her first of four, in 1931-32. It won the top prize in a competition for African American composers and received its premiere from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. She wrote numerous other pieces, including choral works, chamber music, arrangements of spirituals, and piano concerti, but her orchestral music remained unpublished and rarely performed until recently. This event is a great opportunity for audiences to experience this music for the first time.

The featured soloist will be the brilliant David Pedraza. He was born in Reynosa, Mexico, and is and received a full scholarship to the Shenandoah Conservatory. He is now the Principal Viola of the Symphony of the Americas in Ft. Lauderdale, playing William Walton's Concerto for Viola.

Don't miss the MSO's season-opening concert.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of 2019 Kathleen Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization and the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division. MSO is an Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
September 5, 2019 - The Manassas Symphony is appearing at the 2019 Arts Alive! Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, September 15. MSO is the final act of the festival, performing at 4:35 PM on the Merchant Hall stage. Admission is free.

The Prince William County Arts Council, in partnership with the Hylton Performing Arts Center, hosts the 2019 Arts Alive! Festival from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, located on the George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA., 20110. Free parking is available in the Tower Lot behind the Hylton Center.

This highly anticipated annual community event celebrates the diversity and excellence of visual, literary, and performing artists and ensembles from the Greater Prince William Area. Music, theater and dance performances will be held at the main-stage Merchant Hall, the intimate Gregory Family Theater and two outdoor stages situated on the lawn. The Visual Arts showcase, with original paintings, coloring books, photography and quilts, will be on display in the Didlake Grand Foyer.

Arts Council groups who will be participating are the Prince William Brass, The Castaways Repertory Theatre, Ms. Lauren Kelley – visual arts, Stone House Quilt Guild, Center for the Arts, Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Boyle School of Irish Dance, InTune Music, Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, Minor Miracles, Spilled Ink, Write by the Rails, New Dominion Choraliers, Real Life Productions, Glimmers of Persia, Manassas Ballet, Virginia National Ballet, Prince William Arts Society and Liza & Martin (music.)

Activities for children will include watercolor painting, an instrument petting zoo, and hands-on crafts with presenters from Abrakadoodle of Prince William, the Edgemoor Art Studio and the Center for the Arts.

Local artisans will sell jewelry, pottery, and other arts-related wares. Local authors and poets will present readings from their work, as well as have books for sell.

Arts Alive! is a free, family-friendly local arts festival presented by the Prince William County Arts Council and the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia. The event offers hands-on arts-related activities for children and adults, as well as artwork and craft vendors with items for sale. Food trucks will offer up some of the best local cuisines and sweets for participants to purchase.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
May 30, 2019 - The Manassas Symphony received the 2019 Kathleen K. Seefeldt Award for Arts Excellence as Outstanding Arts Organization from the Prince William County Arts Council on May 30, 2019, at the annual Seefeldt Awards Dinner and Ceremony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

The Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence were established to recognize and celebrate the artists, arts organizations, volunteers, educators and businesses that build upon and sustain Mrs. Seefeldt’s legacy of public service and support for the cultural arts. Persons and organizations from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park who live, work or volunteer in these locales may be nominated. Read more about the 2019 Seefeldt Awards awards here.

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
El 7 de Febrero de 2019 - Bajo la batuta del director de música, James Villani, la OSM rinde homenaje a la música y la cultura española de los países hispanos con la música de compositores de España y América Latina en el programa, Tesoros hispanos. El concierto de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Manassas será a las 7:30pm, el 2 de marzo de 2019 en el Hylton Performing Arts Center.

El solista destacado de este concierto es el guitarrista clásico Adam Kossler, interpretará el Concierto de Aranjuez de Joaquín Rodrigo. Adam Kossler ha sido ganador de varios grandes premios en numerosos concursos internacionales de guitarras que incluyen; el Boston Guitarfest, Columbus Guitar Symposium, East Carolina Cuitar Competititon, MANC guitar competition, Texas International Guitar Competition, Music Teacher National Association Competition, y la Appalachian Guitarfest Competition. Frecuentemente, el dr. Kossler interpreta como solo artista, miembro del NOVA Guitar Quartet, y en el Kossler Guitar Trio, el cual incluye su padre Bill y hermano John. No se debe perder su actuación. El dr. Kossler dará una clase de maestral el viernes, el primero de marzo de 2019 para los estudiantes de guitarra.

También, la OSM estrena el debut norteamericano de la obra, Volanic Suite, de compositor ecuatoriano José Oviedo. Por supuesto una línea de conga se formará alrededor de Merchants Hall cuando el OSM interpreta la obra, Conga del fuego nuevo, del compositor mexicano Arturo Márquez. En adición, el programa incluye Danzas Fantásticas, Op. 22 del compositor del siglo 20 Joaquín Turina y Huapango del compositor mexicano José Pablo Moncayo.

Suscripciones de temporada y entradas de conciertos individuales están disponibles de Hylton Center Box Office o se puede llamar a 888.945.2468. Todas las entradas para niños y estudiantes (a través de la universidad) son gratuitas.

Fundado en 1992, la Sinfónica de Manassas es ganadora del premio 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division y es miembro de Resident Arts Partner de Hylton Performing Arts Center en Manassas. La orquesta compuesta de voluntarios toca cinco conciertos al año y está involucrado en muchos eventos educativos y cívicos en toda la comunidad. Para más información sobre la Orquesta Sinfonía, visita al sitio Web, ManassasSymphony.org

Para cada niño los conciertos siempre serán gratis.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
Date - February 7, 2019 - Under the baton of Music Director, James Villani, the MSO honors the music and culture of Spanish-speaking countries with music by composers from Spain and Latin America with Tesoros hispanos, the Manassas Symphony's concert at 7:30 pm on March 2, 2019 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

The featured soloist for this concert is classical guitarist Adam Kossler playing Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo’s famed Concierto De Aranjuez. As a performer, Adam Kossler has been a top prizewinner in a number of international guitar competitions including the Boston Guitarfest, Columbus Guitar Symposium, East Carolina Guitar Competition, MANC guitar competition, Texas International Guitar Competition, Music Teacher National Association Competition, and the Appalachian Guitarfest Competition. Dr. Kossler performs regularly as a solo artist, as a member of the NOVA Guitar Quartet, and with the Kossler Guitar Trio alongside his father Bill and brother John. His performance should not be missed.

The MSO will also perform the North American debut of Ecuadorian composer Jose Oviedo’s Volcanic Suite. A Conga line will no doubt form around Merchant Hall when the MSO performs Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’ Conga del Fuego Nuevo. The program also includes Danzas Fantásticas, Op. 22 by 20th Century Spanish composer Joaquin Turina, and Huapango by Mexican composer José Pablo Moncayo.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

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November 27, 2018 - Strasburg High School sophomore string bass player, Raegan Fisher, is the youngest member of the MSO, and has been performing with the orchestra since last season. She is the featured soloist at the MSO’s Annual Family Concert, All Creatures Great and Small, presenting two movements of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. The Elephant movement of the piece is written for string bass solo, and the plan was for her to play it with the orchestra. But at the suggestion of her father, she offered to play The Swan movement also which was originally written for cello, and is very challenging to play on string bass. Her performance should not be missed.

Raegan began her musical training as a cellist when she was in the sixth grade. Her teacher challenged her to try the string bass. Since Raegan is only 4’10” tall and her bass is 7’6”, this presented some obstacles that needed to be overcome. She sits on a stool when she plays, and that enables her to get a better reach. Her efforts were extremely successful, and she has been recognized by selection to several county and regional ensembles, and was the youngest musician in Shenandoah County to participate in the Virginia All-State Band and Orchestra.

The MSO’s Annual Family Concert is certain to entertain patrons young and old with a concert of delightful music about animals of all sizes. The concert also features local actress Molly Elston narrating Jim Beckel’s Waltz of the Animals and concludes with our exclusive Indoor Light Show Spectacular!

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 703-993-7759. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
November 9, 2018 - Members of the MSO present an evening of music at the historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Old Town Manassas on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 7 PM. Admission is free. Performances include works by Telemann, Chopin, Debussy, and more.

This recital benefits The MusicLink Foundation, a non-profit organization that links music teachers with students in need of financial assistance. Donations to support this organization are appreciated and will be accepted at the door. To read more about MusicLink's mission and achievements please visit musiclinkfoundation.org/.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
February 14, 2018 - Piano soloist Carlos Ibay returns as special guest artist for the Manassas Symphony Orchestra's Silver Anniversary Season in Silver Jewels on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 7:30 PM, under the baton of Music Director James Villani. Mr. Ibay is performing Piotr Tchaikovsky's gorgeous Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor. He performed the same piece with the MSO in 2000.

Mr. Ibay who have been deprived of sight from birth, has gained a world-wide reputation as both a concert pianist and a singer. His talent has reached the stages of Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Carnegie Hall in New York City, The Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Rachmaninoff Center of the Arts in Russia, The Teatro Storchi in Modena, Italy, and to the concert halls of Brazil, Australia, Israel and Cuba. Mr. Ibay is an amazing musician, and his performance should not be missed.

The concert program also includes Antonín Dvořák's tragically beautiful Symphony No. 7 in D minor, as well as the beautiful La Cimarosiana by Gian Francesco Malipiero, and The Alcotts, an interesting and not often performed piece by American composer Charles Ives.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
October 19, 2017 - Fellow American Prize-winning piano soloist Anthony Michael Cornet returns as special guest artist for the Manassas Symphony Orchestra's Silver Anniversary Season opening concert on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM, under the baton of Music Director James Villani. Dr. Cornet is performing American composer Edward MacDowell's distinctive Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor. He last appeared with the MSO in 2015 with a spectacular performance of George Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue.

Dr. Cornet is establishing a reputation as an emerging artist with a penchant for expressive playing and tour-de-force virtuosity. He is a prize winner in many nationally and internationally recognized piano competitions and recently made his Carnegie Hall debut as a First Prize Winner in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. He returned to New York City to perform at the Dicapo Opera Theatre Concert Hall, Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Center, and the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center.

As a solo artist, Anthony has been dedicated to merging his artistic ambitions with humanitarian efforts. He has been able to raise thousands of dollars for many reputable charities through his own concert series, A Special Evening with Pianist Anthony Michael Cornet. He has supported organizations that include Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Miracle League, and the Shropshire Music Foundation. The series has received high acclaim and has established Anthony as a dynamic and engaging recitalist.

The MSO concert program also includes Ludwig van Beethoven's blissful Symphony No. 7 in A Major, previously performed by the MSO way back in 2003, as well as Ralph Vaughan Williams' beautiful 1910 masterwork for double string orchestra, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. As a special treat, the MSO Winds will present a free pre-concert performance in the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery of Serenade for Winds in D minor, Op. 44 by Antonín Dvořák. This performance begins at 6:55 PM.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

Founded in 1992, the Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
September 27, 2017 - In 1991, Dr. Gail Kettlewell, Provost of Northern Virginia Community College, had a vision for a new orchestra in Manassas and Prince William County. The next year, this orchestra, originally called the NOVA-Manassas Community Orchestra, began performing at Grace United Methodist Church. Over the years the orchestra has grown in both size and stature. In 2010, the ensemble moved into its new home in the Hylton Performing Arts Center and became the Manassas Symphony Orchestra in 2011. In 2015, the MSO, under the direction of Music Director James Villani, was named winner of The American Prize for Orchestra Performance, Community Division, and is now recognized as among the best volunteer orchestras in the country. To celebrate its 25 years of service to the community, the 2017-2018 Subscription Concert Season will feature some of the favorite pieces and soloists from past concerts, as well as pieces that they have not played before.

The MSO kicks off its Silver Anniversary Season on Saturday, October 28, 2017, 7:30 PM with Silver Celebration featuring the return of fellow American Prize-winning piano soloist Anthony Michael Cornet performing American composer Edward MacDowell's distinctive Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23. Mr. Cornet last performed with the MSO in 2015. The concert concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven's blissful Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 which the MSO last performed way back in 2003.

The MSO welcomes the holiday season on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 4:30 PM performing Silver Passport. The concert is right after the Manassas Christmas Parade and is the MSO’s fifteenth annual family concert. The afternoon features music from around the world and highlights high school senior trumpet whiz Connor Anderson. Enjoy the premiere of a new work by local composer Ben Bernstein based on author Bob Staake's brand new children's book, The Book of Gold. The concert includes seasonal favorites and closes with the return of our exclusive synchronized holiday music and light show!

The celebratory season continues on Saturday, March 3, 2018, 7:30 PM with Silver Jewels. Extraordinary pianist Carlos Ibay is the featured soloist playing Piotr Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor. Mr. Ibay last performed with the orchestra in 2000. The evening is capped off by Antonín Dvořák's tragically beautiful Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70.

The MSO concludes its anniversary celebration and looks to the future with an all-Russian program on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 7:30 PM, called Russian Silver. Local high school students join the MSO to present a repeat performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's magical Scheherazade. The orchestra last performed this magnificent piece in 2007. Internationally-acclaimed Steinway Artist Agnes Wan is the concert’s highlighted soloist, playing Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

The Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer orchestra plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
May 10, 2017 - The 2015 American Prize winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director James Villani, concludes its season on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 with Symphonic Exuberance. Joined by a chorus of select students from several Prince William County High Schools, the combined forces perform Dan Forrest's joyful masterpiece, Requiem for the Living. The concert includes Rossini's Overture to "The Barber of Seville" and Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.

The high school choir was assembled and prepared by Dominick Izzo, the Director of Choral Music and the Performing Arts Department Chair at Osbourn Park High School. The choir is made up of student singers from Osbourn Park, Brentsville, and Forest Park High Schools. The performance also features soprano Christine Laird. Ms. Laird is the Theater Arts teacher at Osbourn Park High School.

A Requiem, at its core, is a prayer for rest—traditionally, for the deceased. The five movements of Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living (2013), however, form a narrative just as much for the living, and their own struggle with pain and sorrow, as for the dead. Critics have raved about this modern choral work. This performance should not be missed.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
November 25, 2016 - The American Prize-winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director James Villani, welcomes the holiday season with a frolicking look at winter at its annual family concert, Winter Carnival on Saturday, December 10, at 3:30 PM. The concert features Reagan Middle School seventh grade violinist Thomas Kim playing Winter from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. He is an amazing player for one so young.

For a special treat, Manassas City Councilman Ken Elston returns to the Hylton Stage narrating ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The orchestra will also debut Four Winter Scenes, a playful new work about winter fun, by one of our favorite composers, Stonewall Jackson High School alumnus J. Scott McKenzie. The concert also features a piece by Colgan High School orchestra director Ben Bernstein, The Grey Winds of Winter. Concert-goers will be treated to our exclusive spectacular indoor light show finale.

Get your tickets early for this annually sold-out performance experience. This is a great way to introduce children to orchestral music in a fun and family friendly environment. All children and students can attend the concert free of charge. Come early for fun pre-concert music and activities for the whole family in the Didilake Foyer.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
UPDATED September 1, 2016 - The American Prize-winning Manassas Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director James Villani, is excited to announce four superb concert experiences for its twenty-fourth season in 2016-17.

The symphony kicks off its subscription series in the beautiful Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 29 at 7:30 PM with internationally-acclaimed violinist Emil Chudnovsky for Il Virtuosi, a celebration of virtuoso performers and composers. Following Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes, Chudnovsky plays Niccolò Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in B minor ("La campanella") and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s epic Symphony No. 4 in F minor brings the concert to a thrilling conclusion.

The MSO welcomes the holiday season with a frolicking look at winter at its annual family concert, Winter Carnival on Saturday, December 10, at 3:30 PM. The concert also features Reagan Middle School seventh grade violinist Thomas Kim playing Winter from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and the debut of a playful new work about winter fun by one of our favorite composers, J. Scott McKenzie. The concert includes seasonal favorites and closes with our exclusive synchronized holiday music and light show!

Our very own horn player Avery Pettigrew is center stage on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 PM as the symphony performs Musical Morsels — a smorgasbord of small works to delight your musical palate. Dr. Pettigrew is featured in James Beckel’s concerto for horn and orchestra titled The Glass Bead Game. This musical feast includes Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and delicacies from Edvard Grieg, Jacques Offenbach, and Carl Nielsen.

The Manassas Symphony concludes its season on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 with Symphonic Exuberance. Joined by a large chorus of select students from several Prince William County High Schools under the direction of Dominick Izzo, the combined forces perform Dan Forrest’s joyful masterpiece, Requiem for the Living. The concert includes Gioachino Rossini’s Overture to “The Barber of Seville” and Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.

Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available from the Hylton Center Box Office or by calling 888-945-2468. All children and student tickets (through college) are free.

The Manassas Symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division and a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The all-volunteer ensemble plays five concerts a year and is involved with many educational and civic events throughout the community. For more information on the Manassas Symphony, visit its website at ManassasSymphony.org.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
UPDATED June 22, 2015 - The Manassas Symphony Orchestra is holding auditions for ALL STRING SECTIONS for the 2016-17 season. The MSO is especially interested in qualified VIOLA and BASS players to add to our already strong sections.

Auditions will be by appointment on Thursday, July 21, 2016, from 7-9 PM at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas. Other times may be available by appointment.

The audition materials are listed on the MSO website at manassassymphony.org/auditions.html. All of the orchestral excerpts are available on imslp.org, at manassassymphony.org/excerpts, or by emailing a request to personnel@manassassymphony.org.

A brief interview with the music director will also be held, highlighting the experience and commitment level of the musician.

Qualified candidates will have some experience playing in a symphony orchestra, some familiarity with standard orchestral repertoire, acceptable sight-reading skills, and the availability to attend scheduled rehearsals and concerts for the season.

Interested musicians should contact the orchestra to schedule an audition time. This should be done by registering at  manassassymphony.org/register. Any questions should be emailed to personnel@manassassymphony.org.

The MSO is a high-quality, full-size, all-volunteer community-service orchestra. The symphony is the winner of the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance, Community Division. All members donate their time and considerable talent, so these are non-paying positions. Further information on the orchestra can be found at www.manassassymphony.org. The symphony performs its subscription series in the beautiful Merchant Hall at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

These positions are open to all interested adults, college students, and exceptionally well-qualified high school students Grade 10 and above. College credit is available through NVCC. Tuition costs are provided as a scholarship from the Orchestra's Board of Directors. This appointment may continue into future seasons upon agreement of the music director and player.

The 2016-17 concert schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, August 21, 2016 - 3:00 (Harris Pavilion)
• Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 7:30
• Saturday, December 10, 2016 - 3:30
• Saturday, March 4, 2017 - 7:30
• Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 7:30

The orchestra rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:30 at Metz Middle School in Manassas.

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
January 5, 2016 — The Manassas Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the direction of Music Director James Villani, has been named the winner of the 2015 American Prize in Orchestral Performance by a Community Orchestra. The American Prize is a series of non-profit national competitions in the performing arts. It provides cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States. It includes professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels. The prize was first awarded in 2009, and is now awarded annually. Michael Murtha, President of the MSO Board of Directors, said, "We were thrilled to learn that the MSO was awarded the prestigious 2015 American Prize for being the best community orchestra in the country. This is an incredible achievement for our all-volunteer orchestra. We are proud of our conductor, Jim Villani, and each of our talented musicians for their commitment to excellence."

This award honors the MSO for its live performance of Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 1 at its October 2014 concert at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Competition judges praised the orchestra for meeting "the demands of Hanson's symphony with a very confident sound quality…well above just getting the notes. [A] fine presentation…done with commitment and skill."

The MSO was previously a semi-finalist for this same award in 2010, and a finalist in 2013. The MSO is the first orchestra in Virginia to win this prestigious prize!

The MSO is a Resident Arts Partner of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Rick Davis, Executive Director of the center, said, "This national recognition of the artistic excellence of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra is another testament to the strength of the Hylton Center's Resident Arts Partners and the vitality of the region's arts community. We couldn't be more proud to play a supporting role."

For two decades, the Manassas Symphony Orchestra has brought the excitement of live orchestral performances to the Manassas and Prince William County area for a unique, lively, and entertaining concert experience. The orchestra serves as the educational and performance medium for its all-volunteer community members. Maestro Villani said, "I am very proud of the orchestra members for their accomplishment in earning this prize. It honors the continued hard work and effort of our volunteer musicians and recognizes the commitment that they have all made to make the MSO a fun and rewarding music-making organization."

FOR GENERAL RELEASE
October 14, 2015 — Pam Kelly, daughter of the late composer Claude T. Smith, will attend the season opening concert of the Manassas Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm in Merchant Hall of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The ensemble will perform Smith's work, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, which is based on the Navy Hymn. The performance commemorates the 40th anniversary of the piece's publication and debut by the Navy Band at the Kennedy Center, and is orchestrated by MSO Music Director, James Villani. Smith composed extensively in the areas of instrumental and choral music and his compositions have been performed by leading musical organizations throughout the world. Having over 110 band works, 12 orchestra works and 15 choral works, he composed solos for such artists as "Doc" Severinsen, Dale Underwood, and many others. Mrs. Kelly will give a short presentation on her father's work at the concert after intermission.

The MSO's season opening concert also features American Prize-winning pianist Anthony Michael Cornet who will join the orchestra for George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. In addition, the All-American concert program includes Aaron Copland's Rodeo, and Serenades, a piece for strings composed by Stonewall Jackson HS alum and U.S. Army Major J. Scott McKenzie.

All seats for the Manassas Symphony Orchestra concerts in Merchant Hall of the Hylton Performing Arts Center (HPAC) are reserved and everyone needs a ticket. Individual concert tickets are available from the HPAC Ticket Office Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 pm and two hours before the performance begins. Tickets may also be purchased through tickets.com by calling 888-945-2468, or by visiting the HPAC event calendar and click on the "Buy Tickets" button. Processing fees will apply for these methods of purchase. Tickets are also available for sale at the Center for the Arts Box Office on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Individual concert tickets are priced as follows: Adults $20, Senior Citizens 62+ $16, Educators w/ID only at Ticket Office $16, Children/Students, Free - must obtain ticket at the Ticket Office College Students must show ID to obtain free concert ticket.

If you have questions or need more information, please e-mail tickets@manassassymphony.org or phone 703-853-0749.