Mason Bands Concert: Vivo (2026)
The George Mason University Mason Bands present Vivo (2026), an evening concert that celebrates the vitality, imagination, and expressive power of contemporary wind band music. The concert takes its name and spirit from the word *vivo*—meaning lively, spirited, and vigorous—and features works that inhabit the present moment with boldness and conviction. The evening holds special significance for the Mason Wind Symphony, which was selected as a Featured Concert Ensemble at the 2026 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, the Commonwealth’s most distinguished stage for school music ensembles. The program opens with the Mason Symphonic Band performing three contrasting works: Vaclav Nelhybel’s exuberant *Festivo*, Nishant Amatya’s introspective *as the fog settles*, and Benjamin Taylor’s high-energy *Shattering Infinity*. The concert continues with a feature presentation by the combined South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Bands, conducted by Kevin Engdahl and Robert Specketer. The Mason Wind Symphony’s portion begins with Zhou Tian’s sparkling *Vivo*, then presents the third movement of Stacy Garrop’s *Quicksilver*, featuring Mason’s Professor of Saxophone, Dr. Connor Mikula, in a dazzling display of virtuosity and lyricism.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus, George Mason University
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for youth. Prices include fees. A limited quantity of free student tickets will be available starting two Tuesdays prior to the event.
Lineup: Mason Symphonic Band; South County High School Band and Hayfield Secondary School Bands (combined), conducted by Kevin Engdahl and Robert Specketer; Mason Wind Symphony featuring Dr. Connor Mikula on saxophone.
Program: Music by Vaclav Nelhybel (*Festivo*), Nishant Amatya (*as the fog settles*), Benjamin Taylor (*Shattering Infinity*), Zhou Tian (*Vivo*), and Stacy Garrop (third movement of *Quicksilver*). The full program will be available the week of the performance.
Run time: Not specified in the event details; expect a typical evening concert of approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Ages: No age restriction listed; event is open to all.
Note: The Mason Wind Symphony was selected as a Featured Concert Ensemble at the 2026 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, marking a notable honor for the group. Free student tickets are available on a limited basis.