Cornercopia
Since this space is called “Director’s Corner” and this edition of the newsletter is overflowing with news you can use about the upcoming events at the Hylton Center, I’ve decided to go out on some linguistically thin ice and smash my column title onto the good old word cornucopia, which literally means a ram’s or goat’s horn that is full-to-overflowing with fruits, flowers, nuts, and other symbols of abundance. The “horn of plenty” is a potent symbol for the blessings of the harvest season and on into the winter holidays, no matter the name or tradition.
And the Hylton Center feels exactly like a cornucopia of the arts and community, especially around the holidays. Our Arts Partners and Affiliates are getting ready to sing, dance, play, and act up a storm in the coming weeks. Our Hylton-sponsored series such as Hylton Presents, Matinee Idylls, and Hylton Family Series offer holiday cheer in abundance. You’ll find information and insight into all of that in this edition.
Speaking of overflowing, my enthusiasm is doing just that around one particular event in our Hylton Presents lineup. The five-time Grammy-winning bluegrass stars Dailey & Vincent are making a long-awaited return to the Merchant Hall stage with their Christmas Tour. If you were part of the Hylton Center community back in 2014, you probably remember the “Dailey & Vincent LIVE” broadcast taping that we hosted. Complete with a seven-camera television crew out of Nashville, a full orchestra of students and professionals put together by our School of Music, the backing of a 100-voice chorus (thank you, Manassas Chorale, for letting me sing along!), and some of the greatest players in all of bluegrass, this epic event became a hugely successful PBS fundraiser special and a terrific DVD. Seen by millions throughout the country, this concert by the “rock stars of bluegrass” gave the Hylton Center and our dynamic region a place on the national stage. So it is really delightful to welcome Jamie and Darrin back to the house. You won’t want to miss it!
There’s so much more in this cornercopia, but rather than spilling it all over the page right here, I invite you to dig in and scroll or click your way through this newsletter, making plans to experience the abundance of artistic nourishment we have in our horn of plenty.
See you at the theater!
Rick Davis
Dean and Executive Director