There was a buzz of energy in the jam-packed foyer of the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. Northern Virginia performing arts lovers were ready to learn of the 25th anniversary season of “Great Performances at Mason!” The crowd would not be disappointed as Thomas Reynolds, director of artistic programing, announced “a remarkable variety of performing arts that both entertains and educates.” The new season begins this September.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on variety and the 25th anniversary season is very representative of that,” said Reynolds. “We are sticking with our strengths, which has always been a variety of arts and entertainment options.”

The upcoming season of “Great Performances at Mason!” will also continue to support the students at George Mason University. The Center is part of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and the schedule of performers takes “to heart the mission of how to present artists that help support the teaching of our students,” noted Reynolds.

There are many highlights for the upcoming 25th anniversary season. Just a few examples include the Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway actress and singer Bernadette Peters who will headline the annual “Arts by George!” grand benefit gala on Sept. 26. The gala will include a grand showcase of Mason College of Visual and Performing Arts student and faculty works.

As the season rolls forward, there is tap dance phenom Savion Glover, Disney’s “Fantasia - Live in Concert,” a notable performances from the Virginia Opera, the Munich Symphony Orchestra, live theater such as Aquila Theatre's “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” the inventive work of Mummenschanz, the dynamic Mark Morris Dance Company, the innovative RIOULT contemporary dance troupe and Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India, to name a few.

There will be Christmastime favorites such as Chanticleer and the Vienna Boys Choir. Local favorites such as Jeffrey Siegel and his Keyboard Conversations and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra will also return

With a wide-range of offerings, the 2015-16 season is an opportunity to try new things or take in old favorites. There are many performances right for the whole family as a way to introduce younger audiences to the world of performance with special ticket prices all in a near-by, easy to reach location with parking. And free pre-performance discussions sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts add to experiences.