The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is providing free concert tickets to federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The promotion extends to the orchestra’s “Mozart & Mendelssohn” concert at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, as well as a seasonal “Holiday with a Twist” concert next month. The orchestra is offering the freebies at a time “when many may need the arts most,” Executive Director George Hanson said in a release.
“For over eight decades, ASO has brought the power of performance to the DMV region,” Hanson said. “Our mission centers on a strong commitment to community, celebrating how the arts connect people and ensuring that creative experiences remain accessible to everyone.”
Government workers can receive up to two free tickets per concert by calling the orchestra at (703) 548-0885 or by using use the code “shutdown25” at checkout.
This weekend’s classical music program “mixes classics of the late classical and early romantic periods,” including Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian-inspired “Symphony No. 4.”
“Then travel to the 20th century with György Ligeti’s colorful Concert Românesc and Scott Joplin’s overture to moving folk opera Treemonisha,” a description reads.
The second featured concert, scheduled Dec. 20, is a festive holiday medley of carols, choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” and other seasonal tunes. Musicians will be accompanied by dancers from the BalletNova Center for Dance, who will perform a selection from “The Nutcracker.”
Both concerts will take place at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at 4915 E. Campus Drive.
Photo via Alexandria Symphony Orchestra/Facebook.
