Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Ballet Hispánico, America’s leading Latino dance organization, is known for highlighting the richness of the Latino culture through a fusion of classical, Latin and contemporary dance, all powered by theatricality, athleticism and passion. Celebrating 50 years, Ballet Hispánico is now led by Eduardo Vilaro, whose bold and compassionate programming reflects our changing social and cultural landscape. More

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Bassist Nina DeCesare joined the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2020 and brings five years of experience with the Oregon Symphony to the Forbes Center Recital Hall stage! More

Experience internationally-acclaimed Latinx pop artist Gina Chavez in concert! A 2020 Latin Grammy nominee for her album La Que Manda (The Woman in Charge), Chavez is a 12-time Austin Music Award  winner whose NPR Tiny Desk Concert boasts over 1.2 million views. Her passionate collection of songs traverse cumbia, indie folk, blues, and Latin pop. More

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JMU clarinet faculty member Sarunas Jankauskas has performed throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States, collaborating with Boulder Chamber Orchestra, the St. Petersburg and Jasper String Quartets, as well as pianists Domenico Codispoti and Johan Botes. More

The Amernet is one of today’s exceptional string quartets, praised by The New York Times for its “intelligence” and “immensely satisfying” playing of new music and commissions as well as neglected works of the past. This evening features special guest Heather Coltman, JMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, in a program of Mozart’s Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478; Korngold’s Suite from Much Ado About Nothing; Schubert’s Quartet in E-flat major, D. 87; and Schoenberg’s Quartet No. 0 (1897). More

Benjamin Britten’s immensely popular opera The Turn of the Screw has replaced Opera Spotlight: Music for Change. This program change was made to reflect the extraordinary vocal talent in the JMU Opera Theater program and to provide you, our loyal opera audiences, an opportunity to experience this work in a concert version. Ticket holders for Opera Spotlight: Music for Change should contact the box office M–F, 10 am to 5:30 pm, at 540-568-7000 or by email at forbesboxoffice@jmu.edu for exchange/refund information. 

Based on the ghost story by Henry James, Britten’s chamber opera is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller with achingly beautiful music. The hit Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor is based on James’ story. This concert version is sure to “chill many a spine." (The Times)
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Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, Steve Dorff is the master songwriter behind 400 legendary and iconic songs recorded by over 250 artists, including Kenny Roger’s “Through the Years,” Anne Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again,” and George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” Dorff performs some of his most beloved songs and shares the stories behind them in this entertaining evening! More

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The JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band were founded in 1971 and are under the direction of Dr. Chuck Dotas. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Terrace Theater, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and VMEA annual convention. More

With a legendary career spanning several generations, Aretha Franklin possessed powerful vocals that skyrocketed her to international stardom. Musician, vocalist and composer Damien Sneed pays homage to the “Queen of Soul” with fresh takes on her hits like “Respect,” “Knew You Were Waiting,” “Think,” and more! The show features six-time Grammy nominee Valerie Simpson backed by a stellar cast of jazz, soul and gospel musicians and vocalists. Note the cast change. More

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JMU’s senior dance majors are on the verge of graduation and entering into their exciting careers as dance artists. Come watch them as they showcase their amazing work in this annual concert. More