Hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will form an unexpected alliance at Capital One Hall this fall.
The Fairfax Symphony announced this week that it will be joined in the main theater at the Tysons venue (7750 Capital One Tower Road) by Jean on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Featuring returning guest conductor Jason Seber, the concert is timed to mark the 30th anniversary of Jean’s first solo album, “The Carnival,” which was recorded starting in October 1996 and released in June 1997. However, it will also recognize his earlier work as a founding member and guitarist for the Fugees.
According to the FSO’s press release:
A defining force in popular music for more than two decades, Wyclef Jean has built an extraordinary career as both a solo artist and a founding member and guiding force of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees. His distinctive sound draws from a wide range of influences, including hip-hop, reggae, R&B, pop, Caribbean music, jazz and classic rock.
Audiences will experience Wyclef’s music in a dynamic new setting as his signature sound is reimagined with the full power and scope of a live orchestra. The concert will feature favorites including “Gone Till November” and “We Trying to Stay Alive,” along with more music from Wyclef Jean’s celebrated career.
Tickets for the concert will go on sale today (Friday) at 10 a.m.
The collaboration with Wyclef Jean is part of an eclectic 2026-2027 season for the Fairfax Symphony, which typically performs at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax.
Kicking off on Oct. 10 with “Rachmaninoff and Saxophone Noir,” the schedule includes an evening of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony and harpist Yolanda Kondonassis (Nov. 14), the orchestra’s traditional “Nutcracker” performance with the Fairfax Ballet (Dec. 19-20), an already sold-out film music celebration featuring violinist Itzhak Perlman (April 17, 2027) and a tribute to Mozart’s last year (May 23, 2027).
According to the FSO’s website, additional Capital One Hall shows are expected to be announced “soon.” Though the orchestra won’t be performing, it’s sponsoring “in concert” screenings of the film “Blade Runner” on Nov. 13 and the popular animated TV series “The Legend of Korra” on Feb. 19, 2027.
The orchestra’s full schedule for the new season can be found on its website.
