Thank You to Kennedy Center Supporters
The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees
National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors
Washington National Opera Board of Trustees
The Kennedy Center President’s Council
The Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts
President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
National Committee for the Performing Arts
National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees
The Kennedy Center Circles Board
The Kennedy Center Community Advisory Board
The Kennedy Center Corporate Fund Board
The Kennedy Center 50th Anniversary Committee
Corporate Donors
Individual and Foundation Donors
Endowment Gifts, Bequests, and Legacy Donors
Building the Future Campaign Donors
Visit tkc.co/Support for a full listing of donors and to learn how you can join us by becoming a Member.
Andrew Geraci
THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
OCTOBER 26, 2025 AT 2:30 AND 4:30 PM | CONCERT HALL
Evan Roider, conductor Kresley Figueroa, soprano
ADAM GLASER
March of the Little Goblins
EDVARD GRIEG "In the Hall of the Mountain King"from Peer Gynt
JOHN WILLIAMS "Devil's Dance" from The Witches of Eastwick
ARAM KHACHATURIAN
MAXIME GOULET
Waltz from Masquerade
On Halloween Night I. Flight of the Witch II. March of the Zombied V. Attack of the Skeletons!
TRADITIONAL (ENRICO LOPEZ-YAÑEZ) La Llorona
Kresley Figueroa, soprano
MICHAEL GIACCHINO
Music from Coco
JOHN WILLIAMS "Hedwig's Theme" from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS
The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger Sant and Congresswoman Doris Matsui
Noseda Era Fund Supporters
The Amici di Gianandrea
Patrons are requested to turn off cell phones and other electronic devices during the performances. The taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment are not allowed in this venue.
Welcome
Dear Friends,
As we open the National Symphony Orchestra’s 95th season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to you—our devoted patrons, supporters, and friends. Your presence this evening, and your unwavering support throughout the year, mean more than words can convey. It is your love of music, your generosity, and your steadfast belief in the arts that delight this remarkable orchestra.
In 1931, Hans Kindler founded the NSO with a bold vision: to build a world-class symphony orchestra in the heart of our nation’s capital. Nearly a century later, that vision continues to be our driving force. Today, under the dynamic artistic leadership of Gianandrea Noseda, we are more inspired than ever to share powerful performances with our audiences. The NSO is not simply an orchestra; it is a family of artists joined together through a shared love of music, unity of purpose, and commitment to something greater than us.
The NSO is more than what you see on stage—it is a living, breathing institution devoted to enriching lives. Our robust education and community engagement programs reach thousands of students, educators, and families each year. Between our Youth Fellowship Program and Summer Music Institute, to Young People’s Concerts, we strive to make music accessible to everyone—especially the next generation.
This commitment to connect with broader audiences is also seen through our vibrant, genre-defying series, led by the remarkable Steven Reineke, our Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor. Steven brings a wide-reaching musical vision to the NSO, bridging genres and generations. His programming has opened the door for new audiences to discover a love for orchestral music, while continuing to captivate longtime fans with the highest levels of artistry.
As we embark on this milestone season, we are reminded that our journey would not be possible without you. Thank you for being an essential part of this vibrant and enduring musical community.
With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,
Executive Director
National Symphony Orchestra
Support your ORCHESTRA
The mission of the National Symphony Orchestra, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is to engage audiences locally, across the country, and around the world through excellence in performance and education. Each year, the NSO offers approximately 150 concerts as well as some of the country’s most extensive community and educational programming. It regularly participates in events of national and international importance, including performances for state occasions, high-level government events, and regularly televised holiday appearances for Capitol Concerts and local radio broadcasts on WETA, making the NSO one of the most-heard orchestras in the country.
Give your support in this 95th season by becoming a Member, joining the NSO Circles, or pledging a Legacy Gift. Visit tkc.co/SupportNSO or scan the QR code.
Meet the Artists
Evan Roider, conductor
Evan Roider is a sought-after pops conductor, celebrated for his versatility and dynamic presence. Equally at home on the symphonic stage and in the orchestra pit, he maintains an active guest conducting schedule, captivating audiences across the country.
The 2025–2026 season brings debuts with the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. In recent years, he has appeared with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, and the Philly Pops. Driven by a passion for genre-spanning performances, Roider has led concerts featuring film and television music, Broadway favorites, classical masterworks, and iconic hits spanning the decades.
His Broadway credits include The Great Gatsby, Old Friends, and Wicked, a show for which he recently completed a four-year tenure as Music Director / Conductor of the North American tour. Previously, he toured with Les Misérables and Cats, performing in such venues as the Kennedy Center, National Arts Centre, and Hollywood Pantages Theatre. In New York, he was Assistant Conductor for Candide at Carnegie Hall with the Orchestra of St. Luke's, starring John Lithgow. Currently, he serves as an Associate Music Supervisor for the Muny in St. Louis, having previously worked at Barrington Stage Company, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and other theatres across the country.
Evan is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and The Hartt School in Connecticut.
Kresley Figueroa, soprano
Puerto Rican soprano Kresley Figueroa recently completed her tenure as a Cafritz Young Artist with Washington National Opera (WNO), where she earned critical acclaim for her vocal brilliance, dramatic versatility, and magnetic stage presence.
Hailed by The Washington Post during her residency in D.C. as “a strong actress and an even better singer,” she was also praised by the news outlet for her “artful pacing, gleaming highs, and a presence that made her competition-closing performance feel like a reward” in Gilda’s “Caro nome” from Rigoletto, and for her gripping emotional depth in “Piangerò la sorte mia” from Giulio Cesare.
Last season, Figueroa made a “powerful” and “memorable” role debut as Chrisann Brennan in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with WNO and gave the “star turn of the evening” for her performance in Mud Girl, an opera commissioned by the company’s 2025 American Opera Initiative.
The 2024–2025 season included major competition wins for Figueroa: National Semifinalist in The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (First Place and Audience Favorite, Mid-Atlantic Region); First Place and Audience Favorite in the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition; First Place in the Kyrenia Opera Vocal Competition; and Third Prize in Florida Grand Opera’s National Voice Competition. Concert highlights include performances with Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, and Denyce Graves in WNO’s annual
gala, singing Cunégonde in excerpts from Candide; a recital at the Aspen Music Festival with Ana María Martínez and pianist Myra Huang; and a concert with Susan Graham at the Library of Congress.
In WNO’s 2023–2024 season, she performed the title role in Handel’s Partenope, Berginella in La Périchole, and the Unicorn in The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. Other highlights include her role debut as Nannetta in Falstaff, performing alongside Bryn Terfel in the title role, with the Aspen Music Festival under the baton of Patrick Summers, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni with OPERA San Antonio. Her diverse repertoire includes roles such as Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Servilia in La clemenza di Tito, Bubikopf in Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, Maria in West Side Story, and Fiona in Brigadoon Figueroa holds degrees from The Juilliard School and Rice University, and continues to establish herself as a vibrant, expressive presence on the operatic and concert stage.
National Symphony Orchestra
The 2025–2026 season is the National Symphony Orchestra’s 95th and Music Director Gianandrea Noseda’s ninth season. Gianandrea Noseda serves as the orchestra’s seventh music director, joining the NSO’s legacy of distinguished leaders: Christoph Eschenbach, Leonard Slatkin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Antal Doráti, Howard Mitchell, and Hans Kindler. Its artistic leadership also includes Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Steven Reineke.
Since its founding in 1931, the NSO has been committed to performances that enrich the lives of its audience and community members. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed since the Center opened in 1971. The 96-member NSO participates in events of national and international importance, including the
annual nationally televised concerts on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, live-streamed performances on medici.tv, and local radio broadcasts on WETA Classical 90.9 FM.
Since launching its eponymous recording label in 2020, the NSO has embarked on ambitious recording projects, including its first complete Beethoven Symphony cycle and the release of the first-ever cycle of George Walker’s Sinfonias, both led by Noseda. Recent projects include Four Symphonic Works by Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon conducted by Noseda, and William Shatner’s So Fragile, So Blue, recorded live in the Concert Hall with the NSO under Steven Reineke. Forthcoming releases with Gianandrea Noseda include music by Gustav Mahler, William Grant Still, and Samuel Barber’s opera Vanessa
The NSO’s community engagement and education projects are nationally recognized, and career development opportunities for young musicians include the NSO Youth Fellowship Program and its acclaimed, tuition-free Summer Music Institute.
Don Juan & Romeo and Juliet | Grimaud plays Gershwin
Awaken your heart Strauss’ Don Juan, a man’s restless pursuit of passion; and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, a tale of love at its purest. Led by Jader Bignamini, the concert also features Gershwin’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in F with Hélène Grimaud.
October 30–November 1, 2025
NSO Presents: Alexandre Kantorow
Alexandre Kantorow is the youngest winner of the Gilmore Artist Award—one of the world’s most prestigious piano prizes. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Kantorow’s artistry, sensitivity, and technical prowess on full display.
Please note: the NSO does not perform on this program.
November 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Steven’s Classical Mixtape
NSO Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Steven Reineke brings the playlist of his dreams to life! Steven’s Classical Mixtape is packed with unforgettable melodies—from Boléro to Clair de Lune, Nimrod, and Pines of Rome, plus a few surprises along the way.
November 7 & 8, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Tricks and Treats at the Orchestra
This Halloween, the National Symphony Orchestra reflects on its legacy of excellence, accessibility, and occasional escapades. Taking in great part from Golden Years of the National Symphony Orchestra: Stories and Photographs of Musicians and Maestros by Joanne Haroutounian (wife of William Haroutounian, retired violinist and longest- serving member of the NSO), the following anecdotes represent only a fraction of the spooky surprises beyond the curtains.
Bela Lugosi takes the podium
Antal Doráti, conductor of the NSO from 1970 to 1977, was known to wear a dramatic cape on stage—a reference to the traditional clothing of his native Hungary. The comparisons to Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian American star of 1931’s Dracula, abounded. As one musician remarked upon Doráti’s arrival, “I’m not going to play for this guy until I see a reflection in the mirror.”
Between the bars
As Haroutounian writes, “There is always a schoolboy mentality for playing pranks on tour.” One such prank involved placing a scandalous image between the folds of conductor Arthur Fiedler’s score. A consummate professional with decades of experience at the Boston Pops, when Fiedler turned the page at the podium, he did not even flinch.
Fiedler
in flight
Not much later, at a performance in North Carolina, trumpeter Glen Bowling and oboist Fred Greunebaum hid several helium-filled balloons in a nearby bass drum case. As the Orchestra played “Up, Up, and Away!,” the tuba player released the balloons—as well as the large printout of Fiedler’s face hanging below them.
Birthday
sweets
For Music Director Mstislav “Slava” Rostropovich’s 60th birthday, the Concert Hall drew a starry collection of special guests, among them Dmitri Shostakovich, Kathleen Turner, Yo-Yo Ma, Leonard Bernstein, and Gregory Peck. As The New York Times reported, Rostropovich “has more friends than the Bach Suites have notes.” The event featured a not-sominiature Rostropovich birthday cake, cello in hand (pictured).
Joan Marcus
National Symphony Orchestra
GIANANDREA NOSEDA, MUSIC DIRECTOR
The Roger Sant and Congresswoman Doris Matsui Chair
STEVEN REINEKE, PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR AND ARTISTIC ADVISOR
VIOLINS
Nurit Bar-Josef, Concertmaster
Ying Fu, Associate Concertmaster, The Jeanne Weaver Ruesch Chair
Ricardo Cyncynates, Assistant Concertmaster
Xiaoxuan Shi, Second Assistant Concertmaster
Jane Bowyer Stewart
Heather LeDoux Green
Lisa-Beth Lambert
Jing Qiao
Marina Aikawa
Peiming Lin
Derek Powell
Regino Madrid**
Meredith Riley**
Marissa Regni, Principal
Dayna Hepler, Assistant Principal
Cynthia R. Finks
Deanna Lee Bien
Glenn Donnellan
Natasha Bogachek
Carole Tafoya Evans
Jae-Yeon Kim
Wanzhen Li
Hanna Lee
Benjamin Scott
Malorie Blake Shin
Angelia Cho
Kei Sugiyama**
VIOLAS
Daniel Foster, Principal, The Mrs. John Dimick Chair
Dana Kelley, Assistant Principal
Denise Wilkinson
Nancy Thomas
Jennifer Mondie
Tsuna Sakamoto
Ruth Wicker
Mahoko Eguchi
Abigail Evans Kreuzer
Rebecca Epperson
Chiara Dieguez**
Jacob Shack**
CELLOS
David Hardy, Principal, The Hans Kindler Chair, The Strong Family and the Hattie M. Strong Foundation
Raymond Tsai, Assistant Principal
David Teie
James Lee
Rachel Young
Mark Evans
Eugena Chang Riley
Loewi Lin
Britton Riley
Noah Krauss
BASSES
Robert Oppelt, Principal
Richard Barber, Assistant Principal
Jeffrey Weisner
Ira Gold
Paul DeNola
Charles Nilles
Alexander Jacobsen
Michael Marks
HARP
Adriana Horne, Principal
FLUTES
Aaron Goldman, Principal
Leah Arsenault Barrick, Assistant Principal
Matthew Ross
Carole Bean, Piccolo
OBOES
Nicholas Stovall, Principal, The Volunteer Council Chair
Jamie Roberts, Assistant Principal
Harrison Linsey***
Kathryn Meany Wilson***, English Horn
CLARINETS
Lin Ma, Principal
Eugene Mondie, Assistant Principal
Paul Cigan
Peter Cain, Bass Clarinet
BASSOONS
Sue Heineman, Principal
David Young, Assistant Principal
Steven Wilson
Sean Gordon, Contrabassoon
HORNS
Abel Pereira, Principal, The National Trustees’ Chair
James Nickel, Acting Associate Principal
Markus Osterlund***
Scott Fearing
Robert Rearden
Geoffrey Pilkington**
TRUMPETS
William Gerlach, Principal, The Howard Mitchell Chair, The Strong Family and the Hattie M. Strong Foundation
Michael Harper, Assistant Principal
Michail Thompson
Tom Cupples
TROMBONES
Craig Mulcahy, Principal
Evan Williams, Assistant Principal
David Murray
Matthew Guilford, Bass Trombone
TUBA
Stephen Dumaine, Principal, The James V. Kimsey Chair
TIMPANI
Jauvon Gilliam, Principal, The Marion E. Glover Chair
Scott Christian, Assistant Principal
PERCUSSION
Eric Shin, Principal, The Hechinger Foundation Chair
Erin Dowrey, Assistant Principal
Scott Christian
Jason Niehoff*
KEYBOARD
Lambert Orkis, Principal
Lisa Emenheiser*
ORGAN
William Neil*
LIBRARIANS
Elizabeth Cusato Schnobrick, Principal
Zen Stokdyk, Associate
Karen Lee, Assistant
PERSONNEL
Karyn Garvin, Director
Sufyan Naaman**, Coordinator
STAGE MANAGERS
David Langrell, Manager
N. Christian Bottorff, Assistant Manager
The National Symphony Orchestra uses a system of revolving strings. In each string section, untitled members are listed in order of length of service.
*Regularly Engaged Extra Musician
** Temporary Position
***Leave of Absence
National Symphony Orchestra Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Jean Davidson, Executive Director
Sabryn McDonald, Executive Assistant
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Pamela Wardell, Senior Director of Development
Eric Rubio, Director of Finance & Administration
Nigel Boon, Vice President, Artistic Planning
John Roloff, Vice President, Orchestra Operations
ARTISTIC PLANNING
Justin Ellis, Senior Producing Director
Ana Vashakmadze, Artistic Assistant Administrator
DEVELOPMENT
Kate Baker, Assistant Manager, NSO Board and Leadership Campaigns
Laney Pleasanton, Manager, NSO Individual Giving
EDUCATION
Vanessa Thomas, Director of Education Activation and Engagement
Grace Miller, Program Assistant, Music Education
HUMAN RESOURCES
Tony Amato, Director, Total Rewards
Chanel Kemp, Talent Acquisition Manager
Patrice McNeill, Director, HR Operations
Lisa Motti, HRIS Coordinator
Ericka Parham, Benefits Analyst
John Sanford, Senior Business Partner
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Scott Bushnell, Senior Director, Creative and Brand Strategy
Lily Maroni, Senior Manager, Advertising Communications
Elizabeth Stoltz, Advertising Production & Special Projects Assistant Manager
Kaila Willard, Marketing Manager, Analytics and CRM Strategy
Derek Younger, Director, Sales & Ticketing Service
ORCHESTRA OPERATIONS & CONCERT PRODUCTION
Brooke Bartolome, Assistant Manager, Orchestra Operations
Joseph Benitez, Media & OPAS Support Coordinator
N. Christian Bottorff, Assistant Stage Manager
Karyn Garvin, Director of Orchestra Personnel
David Langrell, Stage Manager
Sufyan Naaman, Personnel and Auditions Coordinator
Ava Yap, Operations Assistant
Concerts for Families
A Holiday Pops! with Melinda Doolittle
Washington, D.C.’s most dazzling holiday concert returns! This year, soul-stirring songstress Melinda Doolittle—celebrated for her irresistible, Gospel/R&B sound—lights up the festively decorated Concert Hall as special guest.
December 12, 2025 at 8 p.m.
December 13, 2025 at 2 p.m.
December 13, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Musical Tails
A National Symphony Orchestra piano quintet takes you on a journey through the timeless tales of the Mother Goose Suite by Maurice Ravel and the magical world of tails from Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals. The young and young-at-heart are invited to listen and experience these playful stories narrated in English and Spanish and performed through chamber music. Most enjoyed by ages 5+
January 24 & 25, Family Theater
Told through a mesmerizing hybrid of animated and live action filming, a magica Sprite embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra! Violin strings vibrate, brass valves slice air, and drumheads resonate like you've never seen before—all set to live music from the National Symphony Orchestra. Philharmonia Fantastique:
March 29, 2025, Concert Hall
THE KENNEDY CENTER
Kennedy Center Staff
KENNEDY CENTER EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Executive Leadership Staff
The National Symphony Orchestra also warmly acknowledges the work of the following Kennedy Center partners and their teams:
President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Ambassador Richard Grenell
President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Ambassador Richard Grenell
Chief Financial Officer Donna Arduin
Chief Financial Officer Donna Arduin
General Counsel
Elliot Berke
General Counsel Elliot Berke
Vice President of Human Resources�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
M. Bowens
Senior Vice President, Development Lisa Dale
Senior Vice President, Marketing Kimberly J. Cooper
Senior Vice President, Marketing ......................................................................................................... Kim Cooper
Senior Vice President, Development Lisa Dale
Senior Vice President, Special Events .......................................................................................... Bronagh Donlon
Vice President, Public Relations
Vice President, Special Events
Roma Daravi
Vice President, Human Resources ................................................................................................... Ta’Sha Bowens
Bronagh Donlon
Vice President, Operations ..................................................................................................................... Matt Floca
Vice President, Facilities Matt Floca
Vice President, Education ................................................................................................................ Jordan LaSalle
Director, Office of the President Rick James
Vice President, Public Relations ..........................................................................................................Roma Daravi
Vice President, Education
Jordan LaSalle
Chief Information Officer Bob Sellappan
General Director, Washington National Opera
Timothy O’Leary
Chief Information Officer Bob Sellappan
Executive Director, National Symphony Orchestra Jean Davidson
General Director, Washington National Opera Timothy O’Leary
Concert Hall Staff
Concert Hall Staff
Theater Manager ................................................................................................................. Allen V. McCallum Jr.
Box Office Treasurer...................................................................................................................... Deborah Glover
Theater Manager
Allen V. McCallum Jr.
Head Usher....................................................................................................................................... Cathy Crocker
Box Office Treasurer Deborah Glover
Stage Crew
Head Usher
Zach Boutilier, Michael Buchman, Paul Johannes, April King, John Ottaviano, and Arielle Qorb
Cathy Crocker Stage Crew
Zach Boutilier, Michael Buchman, Paul Johannes, April King, John Ottaviano, and Arielle Qorb
*Represented by ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers.
The technicians at the Kennedy Center are represented by Local #22, Local #772, and Local #798 I.A.T.S.E.
AFL-CIO-CLC, the professional union of theatrical technicians.
Steinway Piano Gallery is the exclusive area representative of Steinway & Sons and Boston pianos, the official pianos of the Kennedy Center.
The American Guild of Musical Artists, the union of professional singers, dancers and production personnel in opera, ballet and concert, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, represents the Artists and Staging Staff for the purposes of collective bargaining.
The box office at the Kennedy Center is represented by I.A.T.S.E, Local #868.
National Symphony Orchestra musicians are represented by the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 161-710.
Orchestrated Lives
Each month, the National Symphony Orchestra spotlights a different member of the Orchestra. For this program, Principal Horn Abel Pereira talks about offstage memories, the particular love affair between the cello and the horn, and the open sea.
Name: Abel Pereira
Hometown: Porto, Portugal
Instrument: Horn
Years with the NSO: 11
How did you find your way into the world of professional musicianship? When I was 14, before I went to art school, I thought I was going to become a fisherman just like my dad. Then I met this horn teacher, and he said, “You have two options. One is you spend the week fishing—going to the ocean and taking risks and being on a boat. Then you can come on weekends and play some music with the community band. Or you practice, practice, practice, and one day you will spend the whole week playing music. Then on weekends you can go on a boat and enjoy yourself.” I thought, “Well, I guess [the second’s] a better option for me,” and that's basically what I've been doing.
Have you been able to get out to the water much during your tenure? I have a boat that I like to take out. I spend the weekend days enjoying the water, because I miss that part of my life. There’s a good complement between music and the ocean. We don't have the ocean, unfortunately, but we have the bay. We have the river. It’s fine.
What attracted you to the horn? The sound of the horn can be powerful, but it can also be very mellow. It can be soft and kind, but it can also be harsh and aggressive. Some people say that the cello is the closest instrument to the human voice, but I would say it’s the horn as well as the cello. In a lot of the symphonic repertoire, the horn passages are together with the celli and violas. I think it's because the composers realized that the sound of the horn can match very, very well with the cello. It can also match very well with the woodwinds, but, curiously, it's a brass instrument. We are kind of amphibious.
What is one favorite memory from your time with the NSO? I have many great memories, right from the start during my trial year. In April of that first season, I was offered the job, which is unusual because usually it takes at least one entire season. I remember that was the week of Mahler [Symphony No.] 5, which is a big, big piece for the horn. I have a great memory of being on stage and being told by the orchestra manager that I got the job. I got very excited.
And offstage? You know, whenever we go on tour, we play in different halls every night, and it's always very, very exciting to bring our music to other cultures and let them know what we're doing here. Offstage, too. During the tours, we have more opportunities to hang out with other colleagues and friends—go out for dinner, have a drink, or just walk around visiting. Those memories will stay forever.
Loud and Clear
Nine terms to know in the Concert Hall.
Symphony
An extended work with multiple sections—typically four movements.
A “symphonic” piece is a long piece with multiple interpretations of a musical idea. A repeated, transformed musical idea is called a theme.
Orchestra
A group of musicians who play together.
In the Western European tradition, an orchestra often includes the four major instrument families—brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. An especially large orchestra is called a symphony orchestra. A smaller orchestra is called a chamber orchestra.
Movement
A section of a musical work. Movements are often separated by silences, and they typically differ in tempo—speed.
Concerto
A piece pairing a technically advanced soloist with the support of an orchestra, usually in three movements. Though there may be multiple soloists, the contrast between a larger ensemble and a soloing group defines a concerto.
Suite
Multiple pieces intended to be performed together. Suites may take from larger works such as an opera or a ballet. For 17th- and 18th-century works, “suite” often refers to a sequence of dances in the same key.
Romantic music
Works associated with the 19th-century Romantic period. Building off of the intellectual innovation of the Romanticism movement, Romantic music emphasizes self-expression, emotion, and experimentation.
Uppercase-“C” Classical music
Works associated with the 18th-century Classical period. Characteristics include an emphasis on formal structures, balance, and clear-cut melodies. Lowercase-“c” classical music may also refer to formal compositions invested in technical depth, usually derived from the European tradition.
Fanfare
A brief piece, typically played on brass instruments with percussion accompaniment. Fanfares are often lively and ceremonial.
Tone poem
An orchestral piece meant to convey a non-musical subject such as an art piece, landscape, story, or mood.
2025 – 2026 CLASSICAL SEASON PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
Don Juan & Romeo and Juliet
Grimaud plays Gershwin
Thu., Oct. 30, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 31, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Nov. 1, 2025 at 8 p.m.
NSO Presents*
Alexandre Kantorow
Sat., Nov. 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” Ohlsson plays Beethoven
Thu., Nov. 13, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Nov. 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Ferrández plays Lutosławski
Thu., Nov. 20, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 23, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Handel’s Messiah
Thu., Dec. 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 19, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 21, 2025 at 1 p.m.
The Rite of Spring Trifonov plays Brahms
Thu., Jan. 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 16, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 17, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Songs of Destiny & Fate
Thu., Jan. 22, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 23, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 24, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Le Poème Divin
Brahms’ Double Concerto
Thu., Jan. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Jan. 31, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Shostakovich’s Eighth Abduraimov plays Tchaikovsky
Thu., Feb. 5, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Feb. 7, 2026 at 8 p.m.
American Mosaic
Thu., Feb. 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 21, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 22, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Shaham & Shaham play Reena Esmail
Robertson conducts Sibelius’ Fifth
Thu., Feb. 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Feb. 28, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Hahn & Woods play
Carlos Simon
Brahms’ Third
Thu., Mar. 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 13, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 14, 2026 at 8 p.m.
NSO Presents*
Alexandra Dovgan
Sat., Mar. 14, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Death and Transfiguration
Khachatryan plays Sibelius
Thu., Apr. 2, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Sat., Apr. 4, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Bruckner’s Seventh Gerlach plays Haydn
Fri., Apr. 10, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 11, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Mozart’s “Jupiter” & Bach’s Brandenburg No. 1
Wed., Apr. 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Thu., Apr. 16, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 17, 2026 at 8 p.m.
NSO Presents*
Khatia Buniatishvili
Fri., Apr. 24, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Opera in Concert Puccini’s Il trittico
Wed., Apr. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fri., May 1, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Renée Fleming’s Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene
Fri., May 29, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., May 30, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Cann plays Coleman
Fri., June 5, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., June 6, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Philip Glass’ “Lincoln” Dalene plays Barber
Fri., June 12, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sat., June 13, 2026 at 8 p.m.
*Please note: The National Symphony Orchestra does not perform in these concerts.
A look back at our history
1939
NSO Music Director Hans Kindler leads the Orchestra in a summer outdoor concert on a floating barge anchored at the foot of the stone steps below the Lincoln Memorial.
Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
1958 A look back at our history
Music Director Howard Mitchell conducts the NSO at Constitution Hall. Photographer unknown, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
1970s A look back at our history
NSO Music Director Antal Doráti conducts the NSO.
Photo by Richard Braaten, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
A look back at our history
1987
NSO Music Director Mstislav Rostropovich conducts the NSO with guest soloist soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, his wife.
Photo by Joan Marcus, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
A look back at our history
1996
Music man Bobby McFerrin wowed Washingtonians when he conducted the National Symphony Orchestra concerts for families and school children.
Photo by Carol Pratt, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
2000 A look back at our history
Pianists John Browning, Sara Davis Buechner, Brian Ganz, Joseph Kalichstein, Lambert Orkis, and Jeffrey Siegel play Franz Liszt’s Hexameron with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Music Director Leonard Slatkin for the Piano 2000 festival.
Photo by Carol Pratt, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
2015 A look back at our history
Kendrick Lamar and the NSO led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke delivered a one-night-only performance featuring some of Lamar’s biggest hits and the first-ever live performances of music from his lyrical masterpiece “To Pimp a Butterfly.”
Photo by Elman Studio, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
2022 A look back at our history
As the concluding event of Kennedy Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS returned 51 years after its world premiere at the Center in a dynamic staging featuring the NSO, guest conductor James Gaffigan, and baritone Will Liverman in the role of Celebrant.
Photo by Scott Suchman, Courtesy of the Kennedy Center Archives
Create an experience... that will last a lifetime.
WEDDINGS AT THE REACH
REACH wedding rentals offer a variety of indoor and outdoor venues to create an unforgettable celebration of love. Situated on the south end of the Kennedy Center Campus, the REACH is a premier Washington, D.C. event venue. With stunning views of the Potomac River, the largest green roof in D.C., and multifunctional event spaces, Tte REACH provides new elegance with a modern aesthetic.
Visit tkc.co/weddings or scan the QR code for more information.
OPEN DAILY 10 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT
CASUAL & UPSCALE
Take home... a musical memory.
Mozart Magic Flute Earrings
These exquisite earrings bring Mozart’s masterpiece to life with fluteinspired details that create a visual symphony. $42
NSO Cap and T-shirt
Our new National Symphony Orchestra cap and tee let you show your pride in our world-class symphony. $30 each
Make Your Own Music Mug
No better way to start your day than with a coffee mug imprinted with blank sheet music and sticker notes so you can compose your own melody. $20
Visit our two gift shops on Level A and in the Hall of States. Shop online 24/7 at tkc.co/shop
CATERING AND PRODUCTION SERVICES
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES
tkc.co/rentals
SHARE THE JOY of the ARTS
A toast before the show. A meal with a view. A selfie in the foyer. At the Kennedy Center, it’s not just about the performance, it’s the moments you share before and after the curtain rises.
Here, you’ll find joy and awe, surprise and wonder. When you come for a performance, you’ll leave with something more. Because what you feel—and who you feel it with— becomes the memory you both carry.
