Photo by Weston Kloefkorn
The Hylton Performing Arts Center announces the full residency schedule for Artist-in-Residence the Villalobos Brothers, including a Hylton Presents series performance on October 26. Just in time to celebrate Día de los Muertos, the GRAMMY Award-winning trio of virtuoso fiddlers, singers, and songwriters will bring its contemporary Mexican music and skills into area schools and community organizations through a variety of engagement opportunities and performances.
“My brothers and I are delighted to offer many community activities, where we will share our culture and our story in concerts, talks, and workshops. Please spread the word and join us to celebrate Hispanic heritage,” said violinist Alberto Villalobos from Villalobos Brothers.
The Villalobos Brothers are known for redefining contemporary Mexican music with a positive spin. Hailing from Xalapa, Veracruz in Mexico, the brothers moved abroad to study classical music at the Manhattan School of Music, the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany. In the early 2000s, they reunited to create and perform original music together. The result is a unique blend of Mexican folk music with Latin, jazz, rock, and classical. To date, the dynamic trio has released two full-length albums, appeared in performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center, and collaborated with music legends such as Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, and The Chieftains.
As an Artist-in-Residence, the Villalobos Brothers will engage the local community with educational activities and additional concerts in the days leading up to the trio’s October 26 performance at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. These activities include:
- A lecture/demonstration class with the Lifelong Learning Institute, Manassas
- A Día de los Muertos mask-making class for families at Manassas Park Library
- Elementary school performance visits in Prince William County
- High school masterclasses in Prince William County
- A moderated conversation, co-presented by George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Institute of Immigration Research, and Honors College
- A pre-performance discussion before the Hylton Presents concert
“We are excited to welcome the Villalobos Brothers! Their virtuosic talent, coupled with their passion for community, offers the opportunity for meaningful connection to the arts and culture of Mexico. We are looking forward to the trio sharing its extensive educational backgrounds and experiences with local students and lifelong learners in our community,” stated Marit Majeske, education coordinator at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Launched during the 2019–20 season through George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Mason Artist-in-Residence program connects artists appearing at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and its sister-venue, the Center for the Arts, with on and off-campus communities.
Open-to-the-Public Residency Events:
Tuesday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Monson Grand Tier, Center for the Arts at George Mason University (4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030)
FREE, registration recommended
Join Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence and the GRAMMY Award-winning Villalobos Brothers in a moderated conversation about their lives as artists and immigrants and how those intersect with and influence each other. The Villalobos Brothers are redefining contemporary Mexican music while delivering positive messages of brotherhood, equity, and love.
This event is hosted by George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Institute of Immigration Research, and Honors College
Lecture Demonstration with Lifelong Learning Institute – Manassas
Wednesday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m.
Jacquemin Family Foundation Hall, Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110)
The Villalobos Brothers will discuss their music, background, and culture in this class, while incorporating performance excerpts.
Día de los Muertos Family Mask-Making Event
Friday, October 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Manassas Park City Library (100 Park Central Plaza Suite 100, Manassas Park, VA 20111)
Join us for live music from this GRAMMY Award-winning trio of master fiddlers, singers, and songwriters. Plus, learn how to make masks for Día de los Muertos!
Residency Activities for George Mason and Local Communities:
The events listed below are private and not open to the public.
Elementary School Visits
The Villalobos Brothers will visit Covington-Harper, Jenkins, and Swans Creek Elementary Schools in Prince William County for performances that introduce students to their instruments, how they approach their art, and the beloved music of their home in Veracruz, Mexico.
High School Masterclasses
The Villalobos Brothers will work with orchestras at Colgan and Potomac High Schools as well as Music Technology students at Colgan High School.
Hylton Performing Arts Center Performance Information:
Artist-in-Residence
Saturday, October 26 at 8 p.m.
$48, $41, $29; half-price for youth through Grade 12
Tickets for Hylton Performing Arts Center performances are on sale to the general public and available for purchase in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office (open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), by calling 703-993-7759, or through the Hylton Center website (HyltonCenter.org).
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
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