The Ferst Center for the Arts brings world class entertainment to the Georgia Tech campus and the Atlanta community. A variety of performances are scheduled throughout the year including concerts, theater, lectures, films, and dance. The centers state of the art auditorium seats more than 1,100 patrons. The visual arts are showcased in the Ferst Centers Richards and Westbrook Galleries.
Music lovers can enjoy a spring concert by the Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir, and Georgia Tech Chorale on April 22. The theme will be Music of the Here and Now. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. On April 29 music patrons will hear a concert by Iranian vocalist Mohammad Reza Shazarian, accompanied by the Shahnaz Ensemble. The group tours internationally, and has received two Grammy nominations and numerous other awards. Tickets prices range from $40-$75.
The Ferst Center will host the Georgia Tech Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineerings Annual Distinguished Lecture on April 24. This years speaker will be Dr. Amy Alving, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Dr. Alving has a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering. She will discuss the Invention to Innovation Lifecycle, from exploring knowledge through university research to addressing pressing problems in national security, while developing affordable and practical solutions. The lecture is free.
Rotating visual arts exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year at the Richards and Westbrook Galleries. Exhibits feature both established and emerging artists, and often explore connections between art and technology. Visitors can view the art before and during performances at the Ferst Center. Several area schools partner with the Ferst Centers Arts Education Program to expand and enhance their arts curriculum. Students and their families have the opportunity to attend interactive workshops as well as performances by world renowned artists at the Ferst Center. There is also a visual arts component of the program, offered in conjunction with the Hammond House Museum. The Ferst Center also sponsors an ARTech Residency Program each school year.
The Ferst Center for the Arts is located in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus in midtown Atlanta, at 349 Ferst Drive NW. Free parking is available on nights and weekends in the parking deck adjacent to the Student Services Building on Ferst Drive. Tickets to individual shows may be purchased online or at the Ferst Center Box Office, located in the adjacent Georgia Tech Student Center. Regular Box Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm.