Alexandria Symphony Offers Free Tickets to Furloughed Federal Workers

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is offering complimentary concert tickets to government employees affected by the ongoing shutdown, joining other arts organizations in the DC area in supporting the community during this challenging time.

“For over eight decades, ASO has brought the power of performance to the DMV region,” said ASO Executive Director George Hanson. “Our mission centers on a strong commitment to community, celebrating how the arts connect people and ensuring that creative experiences remain accessible to everyone. Especially now, when many may need the arts most, we’re dedicated to making that access even easier.”

Eligible performances include:

• Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 7:30 p.m. | Mozart & Mendelssohn
  Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
  This program pairs Mendelssohn’s sunny Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”) with Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, performed by Pittsburgh Symphony’s Michael Rusinek, plus works by György Ligeti and Scott Joplin.

• Saturday, December 20, 2025 – 7:30 p.m. | Holiday with a Twist
  Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
  A festive favorite returns with selections from Messiah, highlights from The Nutcracker danced by BalletNova, and carols and classics of the season.

Government employees can reserve up to two free tickets per performance at alexsym.org using code shutdown25, or by calling (703) 548-0885.

Free parking is available at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, accessible via Metrobus lines 7A, 7B, 7F, 7Y, 25A, 25C, and 25E, and DASH bus line AT6.

About the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1943, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra enriches Northern Virginia’s cultural landscape through vibrant performances, innovative programming, and community engagement. Under the artistic direction of Maestro James Ross, ASO continues to inspire audiences with music that bridges the past, present, and future of classical performance.