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51ԹϺArts

A home for the visual and performing arts at 51ԹϺ.

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51ԹϺArts 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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51ԹϺArts

The arts have a prominent role at 51ԹϺ. Rotating exhibitions at the 51ԹϺMuseum in the state-of-the-art Katzen Arts Center emphasize regional, national, and international contemporary art. The Department of Performing Arts, comprised of Arts Management, Audio Technology, Dance, Music, and Theatre/Musical Theatre, provides dynamic, connected, expressive, and fulfilling experiences for all of our majors, minors, and participating students. The Department of Art encompasses Studio Art, Art History, Photography, and Graphic Design.

To stay up-to-date on performances, exhibitions, and events, join the 51ԹϺArts and follow us on , and .Questions? Call 202-885-ARTS or email us.

Featured Events

See all Music | Theatre/Musical Theatre | Installation Art events

Painting of woman lying down by Pooja Campbell

Spring Exhibitions at 51ԹϺMuseumWednesday–Sunday, 11:00–4:00
Through May 18

All Spring 2025 Events

Tickets to Department of Performing Arts events are free for 51ԹϺstudents with ID; $10 for 51ԹϺalumni, faculty, and staff, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 for the general public.

51ԹϺChamber Singers Haydn Mass for Troubled Times (Missa in Angustiis/Lord Nelson Massdirected by Dan Abraham; illustration of a fleet of ships with tattered sails51ԹϺChamber Singers
Haydn: Mass for Troubled Times (Missa in angustiis) — "Lord Nelson Mass"
April 5, 7:30 p.m., April 6, 3:00 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Daniel Abraham, director

Joseph Haydn's Missa in angustiis (Mass for troubled times), commonly known as the “Lord Nelson Mass” was hailed by scholar H.C. Robbins Landon as "arguably Haydn's greatest single composition.” Hear this incredible program by the 51ԹϺChamber Singers and a band of period instruments in preparation for the singers’ May 2025 tour to Colombia. Bach's monumental motet Der Geist hilft and Arvo Pärt's stirring Salve Regina will lead off the program.

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem. 51ԹϺ Chorus. Casey Cook, Director51ԹϺ Chorus
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem
April 11, 7:30 p.m.
Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson and Dana Scott, pianists

While most requiems mourn the loss of a loved one, Brahms specifically wrote this piece to give comfort to those left behind. Join the 51ԹϺ Chorus and friends for a performance of Brahms' choral masterpiece, Ein Deutsches Requiem.

51ԹϺSymphonic Band Spring Concert. Matthew Brown and Aidan Dixon, conductors. Wide angle and close-ups of the 51ԹϺsymphonic band performing51ԹϺSymphonic Band
Spring Concert
April 13, 3 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Matthew Brown, conductor

The 51ԹϺSymphonic Band plays an eclectic mix of concert band selections, ranging from established classics of the standard repertoire to new works.

51ԹϺSymphony Orchestra: Classical Collage. Matthew Brown, Conductor; Tomer Ben-Ezer, Piano Soloist51ԹϺSymphony Orchestra
Classical Collage
April 26, 7:30 p.m., April 27, 3 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Matthew Brown, conductor

The 51ԹϺSymphony Orchestra plays a wide variety of time-tested classical hits that are sure to please. Featuring the student winner of the 2025 Concerto and Aria Competition, Tomer Ben-Ezer, as soloist.

51ԹϺJazz orchestra and jazz combos, some spring swing51ԹϺJazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos Some Spring Swing
April 25, 7:30 p.m. | Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center

Swing into the season with the 51ԹϺJazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos, directed by Joshua Bayer. Enjoy an evening of big band swing, funk, and straight-ahead jazz from various composers, showcasing the ensemble's versatility and energy.

Danceworks 2025; a dancer leaps as three others lean awayDANCEWORKS 2025
April 11-12, 7:30 p.m. | Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre

Rediscover the power of live dance. The 51ԹϺ Dance Company brings DANCEWORKS 2025 to the Greenberg Theatre stage with new works by Dance faculty, Ronya-Lee Anderson and Erin Foreman-Murray, and guest choreographers Bambi and Tariq Darrell O'Meally.

Melissa Joseph.Visiting Artists Series

Spring Art Department Series features

  • Elisa Harkins, January 17
  • Melissa Joseph, February 6
  • Linnea Poole, February 20
  • Julie Wills, March 27, 6:00,
    Katzen Arts Center 246
  • Erika Hess, April 10, 6:00,
    Katzen Arts Center 201

Illustration of road map with cars, buses, and trucks, with caption 'where our paths cross'Design Show
March 21 – April 4, 2025
Katzen Arts Center Rotunda

Reception: March 28, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Graphic Design program students proudly show their best work.

51ԹϺMuseum Spring Exhibitions & EventsThrough May 18, 2025
Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00–4:00
with associated artists talks and special events

  • Arpad Pulai,The Army of Felt Dreamers. A stout and spiky figure made of white felt; a bird is drawn on its torso in red thread and the tips of its spikes or tentacles are red. LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS:
    Bruce and Jean Conner in Mexico, 1961-62
  • Monumental Washington
  • Otho Branson: Paintings
  • #SerbiaInRealLife
  • Fred Folsom: Women Smoking and Last Call
  • A Sight to Behold

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In the 51ԹϺArts Community

Julia Zhang painting

Arts ·

Studio Art MFAs Present Thesis Exhibition “TRANSIT”

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Students perform Urinetown: the Musical, waving protest signs and singing on dark stage in industrial work clothes.

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51ԹϺLaunches New “Social Action, Justice, and the Performing Arts” Certificate

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A character dressed as a cloud dances and sings while a character dressed in outdoorsy clothes looks on with confusion, shock, or frustration

Arts ·

Bringing Sound to Life: A CAS Conversation with Samantha Farace

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