MASON BANDS: "But Joy Comes ..."

Schedule

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025 at 07:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Center for the Arts at George Mason University | Fairfax, VA

Advertisement
In the second concert of the Mason Bands' 55th Anniversary season, the Mason Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony reflect on perseverance, remembrance, and the radiant arrival of joy after struggle. Titled “But Joy Comes...,” this evocative program journeys through music that speaks to loss and longing, resilience and remembrance, light and triumph.
The Symphonic Band opens the evening with Brian Balmages’s Joy in All Things—an uplifting work that sets the tone with infectious energy and a message of gratitude. That spirit continues in Rossano Galante’s Life Eternal, a cinematic and deeply heartfelt tribute to enduring memory and love. Richard Saucedo’s Heroes Near and Far honors everyday acts of bravery and service, while Harrison Collins’s Unstoppable pulses with determination and optimism, capturing the drive of a new generation.
As the program deepens, the Wind Symphony offers Richard Wagner’s Trauersinfonie, a solemn and majestic work composed for large wind band. Written to commemorate the moving of composer Carl Maria von Weber’s body from London back to Germany, Wagner’s tribute draws its melodic material from Weber’s opera Euryanthe, transforming themes of lyrical beauty into a powerful meditation on loss, legacy, and national pride.
Shuying Li’s Luminance follows with striking contrast—its shimmering textures and propulsive rhythms illuminating the space between darkness and light. The concert culminates in John Mackey’s The Frozen Cathedral, a powerful sonic monument inspired by majestic landscapes and th. Towering, elemental, and transcendent, Mackey’s work closes the evening with a sense of awe and hope.
The Mason Bands are proud to welcome the Independence High School Wind Ensemble as a featured special guest for this concert, under the direction of Kyle Harrington (Mason BM – Music Education ’14). A dedicated educator and alumnus of George Mason University, Harrington brings his outstanding ensemble to share in this evening of reflection and renewal.
But Joy Comes... is a reminder that in the face of sorrow and silence, we continue to rise, to sing, to shine.
Tickets: $19 General Public, $14 Seniors, $9 Students
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Center for the Arts at George Mason University, 4373 Mason Pond Drive,Fairfax, Virginia, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Mason Bands

Host or Publisher Mason Bands

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Fairfax

Christian Nodal: PA'L CORA TOUR
Fri, 05 Dec at 08:00 pm Christian Nodal: PA'L CORA TOUR

EagleBank Arena

ART
Christian Nodal at EagleBank Arena
Fri, 05 Dec at 08:00 pm Christian Nodal at EagleBank Arena

EagleBank Arena

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Christian Nodal in Fairfax
Fri, 05 Dec at 08:00 pm Christian Nodal in Fairfax

EagleBank Arena

CONCERTS MUSIC
Parking Christian Nodal
Sat, 06 Dec at 01:00 am Parking Christian Nodal

EagleBank Arena

CALENDAR
Christian Nodal
Sat, 06 Dec at 01:00 am Christian Nodal

EagleBank Arena

Faith Based Open Mic Night
Fri, 07 Jul at 07:00 pm Faith Based Open Mic Night

3130 Barbara Ln

OPEN-MIC MUSIC
Teen Church Guitar Lessons (Join Band & Receive Free Lessons and Guitar!)
Sun, 15 Sep at 10:00 am Teen Church Guitar Lessons (Join Band & Receive Free Lessons and Guitar!)

Vienna

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Anuel AA in Fairfax
Thu, 11 Sep at 08:00 pm Anuel AA in Fairfax

EagleBank Arena

CONCERTS MUSIC
Anuel AA at EagleBank Arena
Thu, 11 Sep at 08:00 pm Anuel AA at EagleBank Arena

EagleBank Arena

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Parking Anuel AA
Fri, 12 Sep at 12:00 am Parking Anuel AA

EagleBank Arena

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Anuel AA
Fri, 12 Sep at 12:00 am Anuel AA

EagleBank Arena

Owen & Leigh
Fri, 12 Sep at 06:00 pm Owen & Leigh

3700 Golf Trail Lane, Fairfax, VA, United States, Virginia 22033

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Halstead Square Association's 2025 Street Fest
Sat, 13 Sep at 11:00 am Halstead Square Association's 2025 Street Fest

Halstead Square Lotus

HEALTH-WELLNESS DOG
Belinda's Dance Party
Sat, 13 Sep at 07:00 pm Belinda's Dance Party

11230 Waples Mill Rd, Ste 118, Fairfax, VA, United States, Virginia 22030

PARTIES ENTERTAINMENT
Jazz Brunch
Sun, 14 Sep at 10:00 am Jazz Brunch

10426 Main St, Fairfax, VA, United States, Virginia 22030

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Sugar Skull Terrarium Workshop
Sun, 14 Sep at 01:00 pm Sugar Skull Terrarium Workshop

Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home

WORKSHOPS
JXJ BEST OF THE FEST \u2013 \u201cElie Wiesel: Soul on Fire\u201d
Sun, 14 Sep at 02:30 pm JXJ BEST OF THE FEST – “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire”

Cinema Arts Theatres

FESTIVALS ENTERTAINMENT
Sound Journey Sessions
Mon, 15 Sep at 04:30 pm Sound Journey Sessions

4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States

CONCERTS MUSIC
Rising Star Kids Musical Theatre Fall Session
Wed, 17 Sep at 06:30 pm Rising Star Kids Musical Theatre Fall Session

ETC Phoenix School

KIDS ART
Mommy n Me x Romp n Roll
Fri, 19 Sep at 12:00 pm Mommy n Me x Romp n Roll

Romp n' Roll Fairfax

WORKSHOPS

What's Happening Next in Fairfax?

Discover Fairfax Events