Moss Arts Center announces 2024-25 season
The Moss Arts Center’s 2024-25 season celebrates the power of the arts to amplify life experiences, personal stories, and the universal ties that connect. Filled with legendary performers, bold voices, and soul-stirring rhythms from around the world, the new season has something for everyone — classical favorites, Broadway blockbusters, jazz and global sounds, innovative dance and theatre works, and fantastical family-friendly worlds of imagination.
“We’re thrilled to welcome so many exciting experiences this season, from the way Vivaldi‘s ‘Four Seasons’ and the epic ‘Beowulf’ originally sounded, to real-time considerations of the ways we live, to joyous, unforgettable moments,” said Margaret Lawrence, director of programming for the center. “There is truly nothing like the arts to illustrate our world — they are exhilarating, powerful, and transformative.”
Subscriptions are now available for the full season.
Moss Arts Center 2024-25 performances
“An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry”
2024-25 Season Opener
Friday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Original “Hamilton” cast member Renée Elise Goldsberry, who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and on screen, opens the Moss season with a memorable evening of Broadway hits and American songbook classics.
“Fight Night”
Tuesday, Sept. 17, and Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed performs “Fight Night,” a rumination on democracy and elections that gives the audience the power to vote for fictitious candidates in real time.
Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers
“Singing Together: Qawwali and Gospel”
Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.
“Singing Together” is a qawwali and gospel music collaboration between Houston-based Riyaaz Qawwali and New York’s Harlem Gospel Travelers that interweaves musical elements from both ensembles into a resoundingly joyous, boundary-crossing evening of praise.
“Dino-Light”
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m.
Audiences of all ages are welcome for this visually stunning, glow-in-the-dark adventure as “Dino-Light” tells the story of a playful dinosaur who wanders away from home with an unforgettable blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.
With enchanting charisma, an unparalleled voice, and profound emotional depth, Mariza is the premier performer of the proud, soulful Portuguese musical tradition fado.
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Friday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Legendary banjo musicians Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn team up for a fun evening of traditions and incredible virtuosity. Together, they showcase America's rich musical heritage and completely new realms for the banjo.
“Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire”
Monday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Poetry, creative writing, and rich stories interlace in this specially-curated celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, featuring three Indigenous creatives. Programmed by guest curator Andre Bouchard.
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
“13 Tongues”
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
With training in meditation, martial arts, modern dance, and ballet manifesting in its choreography, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan transforms ancient aesthetics into a thrilling and modern celebration of motion.
“Afrique en Cirque”
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this spirited cirque performance features daredevil acrobatics, lively drumming, vibrant costumes and staging, and lots of audience interaction. Cirque Kalabanté will delight the entire family.
“An Evening with Ta-Nehisi Coates”
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
The author of the New York Times bestseller and National Book Award winner “Between the World and Me” delivers a reading of his work, participates in a moderated conversation, and answers audience questions.
“Holiday Pops Spectacular”
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.
The magic of the season comes alive during this can’t-miss holiday tradition, featuring traditional carols, timeless classics, contemporary holiday favorites, and audience participation with sing-alongs and interactive moments.
“Cuckoo”
Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Cube
Europe-based South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to closely interweave politics, history, and his own personal stories as “Cuckoo” focuses on how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today.
“Beowulf: The Epic in Performance”
Benjamin Bagby, voice and medieval harp
Thursday, Feb. 6, and Friday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Blacksburg Presbyterian Church
Medieval vocalist Benjamin Bagby accompanies himself on harp to deliver a gripping solo performance of the epic tale of ‘Beowulf’ in the most epic way — reverberating through the chapel of the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.
Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.
From New York City, trailblazing three-time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin makes her Blacksburg debut with her sizzling band to share her latest recording, “Phoenix.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Maxim Lando, piano
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank ensembles, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra returns to the Moss, joined by pianist Maxim Lando, to perform two of the most beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Dvorak’s famed Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” and Liszt’s monumental Piano Concerto No. 1.
“One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe”
Thursday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Exploring the limitless rhythms of the traditional Japanese taiko drum, Kodo has forged new directions for this vibrant artform for more than 40 years. From the thundering giant drums that shake the rafters to colorful traditional dances, Kodo enthralls audiences with its athleticism and energy.
Brian Thorsett, tenor
Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
For its Moss debut, premier string ensemble the Dante Quartet is joined by Virginia Tech faculty member Brian Thorsett in the world premiere of a new work created by British composer Ian Venables, along with works by Beethoven and Elgar.
Saturday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.
One of the world’s most visionary contemporary dance companies returns to the Moss. Led by the acclaimed choreographer and artistic director, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham mixes social dance and postmodern movement, including a poignant piece set to the songs of Nina Simone.
Tuesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Author of the genre-bending National Book Award winner “Interior Chinatown,” as well as a television screenwriter (HBO's “Westworld”), Charles Yu delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking onstage interview, discussing the Asian American experience and the power of science fiction to address the human condition.
“Opus”
Friday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.
With a bold and sophisticated approach to cirque, Australian-based Circa is joined live by the Debussy String Quartet for a red-hot fusion of acrobatics and lyrical movement set to three Shostakovich quartets.
“Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300”
Théotime Langlois de Swarte, violin
Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m.
The internationally renowned early music ensemble takes the stage with one of today’s most sought-after young early music stars to perform Vivaldi’s masterpiece, “Four Seasons.”
"In the Court of the Conqueror"
Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Cube
Writer, performance artist, and social justice advocate george emilio sanchez confronts how the courts have historically diminished the tribal sovereignty of Native nations. Programmed by guest curator Andre Bouchard.
2024-25 Season Closer
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
The legendary Cuban jazz master Chucho Valdés returns to the Moss to celebrate the golden anniversary of Irakere, the Cuban band whose bold fusion of Afro-Cuban and jazz marked a before and after in Latin music. His musical tribute, Irakere 50, will heat up the stage with a phenomenal next generation of Cuban musicians.
Broadway in Blacksburg
Broadway returns to Southwest Virginia with the Moss Arts Center’s “Broadway in Blacksburg” series, featuring two performances:
Monday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.
Straight from Broadway, six-time Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary story that takes a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives.
Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
“Book of Mormon,” the irreverent and hilarious musical that garnered nine Tony awards, stops in Blacksburg for one night. The New York Times calls it, “The best musical of this century,” and Jimmy Fallon says, “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.”
Season subscribers — at the Silver, Gold, and Premier levels — will have advance access to purchase tickets, prior to public single ticket sales, for these events. For Premier Plus subscribers, these Broadway shows are already included in the subscription. Subscriber discounts do not apply to the “Broadway in Blacksburg” series.
Purchase subscriptions
Subscriptions for the 2024-25 season offer discounted prices, priority seat selection, and first access to major events, including pre-sales for Broadway performances, before they go on public sale.
This year, there are four ways to subscribe:
Premier Plus Subscription includes 21 performances at a 25 percent discount off adult ticket prices, plus two additional performances that can be added on, also at a 25 percent discount — and includes tickets for the two 2024-25 “Broadway in Blacksburg” performances, “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Book of Mormon.”
Premier Subscription features 21 performances at a 25 percent discount off adult ticket prices, plus two additional performances that can be added on, also at a 25 percent discount — and the option to purchase “Broadway in Blacksburg” tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Gold Build Your Own Subscription allows for a 20 percent discount off the price of adult tickets for 12 or more performances and the option to purchase “Broadway in Blacksburg” tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Silver Build Your Own Subscription starts at just five performances at a 15 percent discount off ticket prices and includes the option to purchase “Broadway in Blacksburg” tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Student and youth tickets are always $10 per performance, including in subscriptions — excluding “Broadway in Blacksburg” performances.
Subscriptions can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300. Currently, only subscription packages are available for purchase for the 2024-25 season. Tickets for individual performances will be available beginning Thursday, Aug. 1.
