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Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance.
Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide. www.theatricalrights.com

The JMU Symphonic Band is under the direction of Christopher Cicconi.

New Orleans Songbook brings the spirit and joy of Mardi Gras and the soul of New Orleans to this amazing evening, celebrating the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz. From Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Ellis Marsalis and James Black, New Orleans has long been an apex of innovation and inspiration. Led by today’s hottest rising stars in jazz music including acclaimed pianist, Luther S. Allison and extraordinary vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, New Orleans Songbook immerses audiences in the captivating and timeless spirit of this vibrant city. For over three decades under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education globally bringing jazz to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. Catch the jazz vibe in this one-night-only musical extravaganza!

The JMU Chamber Orchestra brings students from across campus together to perform classic works composed for smaller orchestras. Kira Omelchenko directs the orchestra in conjunction with graduate students in conducting.

Dr. Paulo Steinberg  has performed as a soloist and as a collaborative pianist across the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe, including prestigious music venues such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo. He often serves as an adjudicator in competitions, and offers master classes, lectures, workshops, and performances in the U.S. and abroad. His summer projects often include teaching at the Saarburg Chamber Music Summer Festival in Germany and traveling around Europe, Brazil and/or Canada. His research interests focus on piano technique and Brazilian music. As part of his sabbatical leave, Paulo is planning to live in Latvia for 2-3 months in the spring of 2024 to study and perform Latvian piano solo and chamber music.

Inspired by true events, The Vanishing Elephant, an incredible story of resilience and friendship, comes to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and magic. Jenny, a young elephant in India, is full of curiosity and wonder. Sadly, one day, her life changes when she is captured, separated from her family, and eventually taken to America to join a circus. She must learn the ways of humans who can be cruel, but she befriends a young boy named Opu. Her special bond with Opu is the first step on an adventure so huge, it spans decades and continents, but despite the time and distance, Jenny never forgets her forever friend. Years later when Opu is an old man, their paths cross once again in an unexpected encounter with the world-famous magician Harry Houdini in New York City. Their life-long friendship is rekindled in a magical way when Jenny makes history as The Vanishing Elephant. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Contains moments of human mistreatment of animal puppets that can prompt further discussion.

The JMU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Kira Omelchenko, is the premier symphonic ensemble for the School of Music at James Madison University. The Symphony presents a number of concerts on- and off-campus each year, and has performed regularly as the invited college ensemble for the Virginia Music Educators Association. The ensemble presents a series of Youth Concerts for students from Harrisonburg/Rockingham and surrounding counties. The Symphony is the only college orchestra nationwide selected to participate in the Carnegie Hall (N.Y.) “LinkUp” concerts for young students.

As a pianist, Masa Ishikawa has performed at various concerts in Italy, China, and Japan. In 2023, Masa released his 2nd original piano trio album titled First Note as well as the 3rd original sextet album titled Montage. He premiered Suite for the Forgotten (jazz orchestra with strings) in 2015. The music is dedicated to people in Fukushima under the uncertain health impact of the radiation exposure from the nuclear power plants meltdown in 2011.

This concert features performances by the JMU Treble Chamber Choir, University Chorus: Tenor/Bass Ensemble (UCTB), and the University Chorus: Soprano/Alto Ensemble (UCSA). The JMU Treble Chamber Choir and the UCTB are under the direction of Dr. W. Bryce Hayes. The UCSA is under the direction of Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy.