Grand Piano Celebration 2026*
The Grand Piano Celebration 2026* opens the George Mason University Dewberry School of Music's Fall Concert season with a showcase of piano talent from its student and faculty artists. Held in the Concert Hall of the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus, this concert honors Mason's status as an All-Steinway School. Under the direction of Dr. Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and Director of the Dewberry School of Music, the program features dramatic solo and collaborative piano works. Faculty performances include Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals" performed by duo-pianists Linda Apple Monson and Anna Balakerskaia, with witty verses by poet Ogden Nash narrated by Rick Davis, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot joins Linda Monson for Fernando Obradors' "Classical Spanish Songs." The concert concludes with a brilliant eight-hand finale featuring Mason piano faculty Eunae Ko Han, John Paul Healey, Anna Balakerskaia, and Linda Apple Monson.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Time: 3:00 p.m. (afternoon).
Venue: Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, George Mason University Fairfax Campus.
Performers: Student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, including pianists Linda Apple Monson, Anna Balakerskaia, Eunae Ko Han, and John Paul Healey; soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot; narrator Rick Davis.
Program: Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals" for two pianos and narrator, Fernando Obradors' "Classical Spanish Songs" for soprano and piano, and an eight-hand piano finale. A full digital program will be available the week of the event.
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for youth. Prices include all fees. Tickets go on sale August 4, 2026.
Free Tickets: A limited quantity of free student tickets will be available two Tuesdays prior to the event (approximately September 15, 2026). See the venue's website for details.
Accessibility: The Center for the Arts is committed to accessibility; patrons are encouraged to visit the venue's accessibility page or contact the box office for specific accommodations.
Note: This concert is presented by the George Mason Dewberry School of Music as part of the Center for the Arts season. Performers, program, and pricing are subject to change.