Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 15th Anniversary Season of the Germantown Performing Arts Centre!

It's hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since GPAC opened its doors with an unforgettable performance by the incomparable Ray Charles.  Since that first performance, GPAC has been committed to presenting excellence in the performing arts by bringing the finest artists from across the globe to our community.  From Yo-Yo Ma to Mikhail Baryshnikov, Dave Brubeck to Emmy Lou Harris, Joshua Bell to Ravi Shankar, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to the New York City Opera, the stars have always been shining bright at GPAC.

To celebrate this special 15th Anniversary Season, we will unveil our newest bright Star...our brand new Steinway Concert Grand Piano!  We have named this "The Year of the Piano" in honor of our new Steinway and have invited five of the finest pianists in the world today to spin their magic on the ivory keys.  We invite you to be part of these magical performances that will include Leon Fleisher, Dave Brubeck, George Winston, Olga Kern, and Yefim Bronfman, the talented virtuoso who selected our piano!  This amazing Piano Recital Series is certain to satisfy even the most discerning piano aficionados.

In addition, we have assembled some of the most compelling artists in the fields of Dance, Jazz, and World Music, including the fiery and dramatic dancers of Ballet Flamenco Jose Porcel, Portugal's Fado goddess, Mariza, and an all-star band celebrating the legacy of Blue Note Records 70th anniversary.  Innovation and cuttting-edge programs are scheduled for the more adventurous patron with exciting performances under our No Boundaries Series, and our new Musical Theatre Series is sure to please fans of the Great White Way.  We are delighted to welcome back the IRIS Orchestra under the Artistic Direction of Maestro Michael Stern, for six spectacular concerts featuring remakable soloists and the consummate musicianship of the IRIS members.  All this and more!

"The Year of the Piano" promises to be an extraordinary Anniversary Season!

Join us for the Celebration!  You won't want to miss a single performance!

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Executive Director

Germantown Performing Arts Centre Mission Statement

GPAC serves the community by presenting the highest quality artistic endeavors to engage, enrich, and transform.

GPAC History

As early as the 1980s, citizens of Germantown dreamed of having a performing arts center. Realizing the need for a multi-purpose community facility that could accommodate recreational and cultural needs, the City's Board of Mayor and Aldermen began construction on a civic complex that would enhance the lifestyle of the community residents. The Germantown Community Centre celebrated their opening in early 1990. Two years later, funds were raised and approval secured to make the performance hall a reality. In November 1994 the Germantown Performing Arts Centre opened its doors with a Gala featuring Ray Charles and a professional staff of five persons. The acoustically perfect, 900 seat venue featured a sprung pine stage, an intimate black box recording studio, an elegant green room, eight spacious dressing rooms and an opulent, grand lobby for entertaining and assembling. GPAC quickly established a reputation for bringing the most celebrated, world-class talent to the Mid-south each season. In October of 2000 conductor Michael Stern and GPAC launched the remarkable first season of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Today GPAC offers over 42 annual productions, hosts over 75 community events and offers educational and outreach programs for young and old alike. As GPAC celebrates its fourteenth season of bringing the most exceptional talent to the Mid-south, we invite you to be a part of the magic that is GPAC.