The Kennedy Center, NSO, Steven's Classical Mixed Tape by Encore Magazine

Steven’s Classical Mixtape

NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2025 AT 8 P.M. | CONCERT HALL

Steven’s Classical Mixtape

Steven Reineke, conductor

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 performance. Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Steven’s Classical Mixtape

Steven Reineke, conductor

Lisa Emenheiser, piano

Nurit Bar-Josef, violin

Raymond Tsai, cello

JOHN STAFFORD SMITH (ANTAL DORATI) (1750-1836)

STEVEN REINEKE (b. 1970)

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)

SERGEI RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943)

RICHARD WAGNER (WOUTER HUTSCHENRUYTER) (1813-1883)

EDWARD ELGAR (1857-1934)

MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)

The Star-Spangled Banner

Celebration Fanfare

Festive Overture, Op. 96

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43: Variation 18 Lisa Emenheiser, piano

“The Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre

“Nimrod” from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, “Enigma Variations”

Boléro

INTERMISSION

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921)

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)

“Danse bacchanale” from Samson et Dalila, Op. 47

Nocturne from Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 19, No. 4

Raymond Tsai, cello

VITTORIO MONTI (1868-1922) Czardas Nurit Bar-Josef, violin

EMMANUEL CHABRIER (1841-1894) España

CLAUDE DEBUSSY (LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI) (1862-1918)

OTTORINO RESPIGHI (1879-1936)

JOHANN, JR. STRAUSS (1825-1899)

Clair de Lune

“Pines of the Appian Way” from I pini di Roma

Thunder and Lightning Polka, Op. 324

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

From the Music Director

Cari amici,

It is with immense joy and anticipation that I welcome you to the National Symphony Orchestra’s 95th anniversary season. This moment is more than a milestone—it is a celebration of our deep musical legacy and a renewed commitment to bringing powerful, moving performances to our community and beyond. This is only the beginning. The 95th season is filled with musical discovery, celebrated artists, and unforgettable experiences.

This season features iconic works that have stood the test of time, from classic masterpieces to thrilling contemporary music. The NSO also has the opportunity to share the stage with an exceptional lineup of guest artists and conductors—beloved icons and rising stars alike. Performing new music is something the NSO truly believes in. Make history with us as we present innovative new works, including five world premieres.

I am deeply grateful to share this journey with you. Your presence in the Concert Hall is what brings our music fully to life. Thank you for being a part of the NSO family—for your passion, your applause, and your unwavering support.

Con tutto il cuore,

Gianandrea Noseda

Music Director, National Symphony Orchestra

Che la musica vi porti gioia e ispirazione—may music bring you joy and inspiration.

Meet the Artists

Steven Reineke, conductor

Steven Reineke is one of North America's leading conductors of popular music and is in his second decade as Music Director of the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he is Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston Symphony and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Reineke is a frequent guest conductor and can be seen on the podium with the Chicago, Dallas, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Philadelphia Orchestra.

On stage, Mr. Reineke creates and collaborates with a range of leading artists from the worlds of hip hop, R&B, Broadway, television, and rock, including Killer Mike, Maxwell, Common, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Ne-Yo, Bob Weir, Trey Anastasio, Barry Manilow, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Rector, Cody Fry, Sutton Foster, Amos Lee, Dispatch, Jason Mraz, and Ben Folds, among others. In 2024, he led the NSO on PBS's Next at the Kennedy Center featuring Ben Folds’ DECLASSIFIED® with Jacob Collier, Laufey, and dodie. He was previously seen with the NSO on PBS on Great Performances with hip-hop legend Nas performing his seminal album, Illmatic In 2017, he was featured on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, leading the NSO—in a first for the show's history— performing live music excerpts in between news segments.

As the creator of hundreds of orchestral arrangements, Reineke’s work is performed worldwide and can be heard on numerous Cincinnati Pops Orchestra recordings. His symphonic works Celebration Fanfare, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Casey at the Bat are performed frequently in North America, including performances by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His Sun Valley Festival Fanfare was used to commemorate the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s pavilion, and his Festival Te Deum and Swan’s Island Sojourn were debuted by the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras. His numerous wind ensemble compositions are published by the C. L.

Barnhouse Company and are performed by concert bands perennially.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Reineke is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio (2020 Alumnus Distinguished Achievement Medal), where he earned Bachelor of Music degrees with honors in both trumpet performance and music composition. He currently resides in New York City with his husband, Eric Gabbard.

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.

Loud and Clear

Nine terms to know in the Concert Hall, loosely defined.

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.

Sonata

Originally, a musical composition played on instruments. In modern usage, “sonata” can mean a piece for a soloist or an ensemble, often with two to four movements.

If a work or a movement is written in sonata form, it is structured in three sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

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.

Cantata

A musical composition with both a vocal and an instrumental part. Cantatas are often used in church services—church cantatas

Overture

An orchestral instrumental introduction to a dramatic musical work, such as an opera or a ballet. Composers, particularly those of the Romantic Period, sometimes composed independent concert overtures, intended to begin a larger musical program.

Romantic music

Works associated with the 19th-century Romantic Period. Building off the intellectual innovation of the Romanticism movement, Romantic music emphasizes self-expression, emotion, and experimentation.

Chaconne

A musical framework characterized by a three-beat meter, a major key, a repeating bassline, and/or a harmonic progression—a series of chords.

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

Kasama Apfelbaum, Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis

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

Pamela Wardell, Senior Director of Development

EDUCATION

Vanessa Thomas, Director of Education Activation & Engagements

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Eric Rubio, Director of Finance & Administration

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

Cayley Carroll, Director, Production & Orchestra Operations

Karyn Garvin, Director of Orchestra Personnel

David Langrell, Stage Manager

Sufyan Naaman, Personnel and Auditions Coordinator

Ava Yap, Operations Assistant

Kennedy Center Staff

KENNEDY CENTER EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Chief Financial Officer

Ambassador Richard Grenell

Donna Arduin General Counsel

Senior Vice President, Development

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Senior Vice President, Special Events

Vice President, Human

Vice President, Operations

Vice President,

Vice President, Public Relations

Chief Information Officer

Executive Director, National Symphony Orchestra

General Director, Washington

Concert Hall Staff

Theater Manager

Box Office Treasurer

Berke

Dale

Osborne

Donlon

Allen V. McCallum Jr.

Deborah Glover

Head Usher Cathy Crocker

Stage Crew

*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.

Zach Boutilier, Michael Buchman, Paul Johannes, April King, John Ottaviano, and Arielle Qorb

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: Abigail Evans Kreuzer

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Instrument: Viola

Years with the NSO: 21

How did you find your way into the world of professional musicianship? We ended up in Pittsburgh because my dad got his dream job in the Pittsburgh Symphony—he was a bass player. Sometimes he brought me along to rehearsals, and I got to sit in the hall by myself and watch people do amazing things on stage. It felt very exciting to me. When I started playing in an orchestra myself, it just felt like home.

What attracted you to the viola? I actually came to the viola by complete chance. I started as a violinist, but one summer, I was going to attend Meadowmount School of Music, which is a summer practice festival. They were offering extra scholarship money for anyone willing to play viola in a chamber group. I was really nervous about it because I didn't read the clef, but I somehow managed to figure out a way to convert treble clef to alto. It was so glorious; I just wanted to keep doing it. I took a year off and studied the viola privately with Paul Silver, who was a violist in the Pittsburgh Symphony. He got me ready for college auditions, and then I went to the Cleveland Institute of Music as a violist.

Do you think that the instruments musicians choose reflect their personalities? It's a chicken-or-the-egg situation. Certain personalities are drawn to certain instruments, but the culture of those instruments also influences their personalities. The viola is famous for having a whole genre of jokes about it. They're broken down into a few categories. One is that violists are terrible musicians—they sound bad when they play. Another genre is, like, violists are stupid. And then the other one is just doing destructive things to a viola because it's such a terrible instrument that it should be destroyed. It comes from the viola being a very awkward instrument—what it takes for it to be able to sound good. What I like about violists is that they often have a very good sense of humor about being the butt of the joke.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the NSO? The one that will stand out to me probably as long as I live is the last concert we did with [Spanish conductor] Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos. We played Pines of Rome, and we all knew that he was not well. He still had a lot of mental energy, but his body was very frail, and we later found out he had cancer. As the piece went on, he looked like he was gasping for air. He stumbled forward, and one of my colleagues had to support him, and everything stopped for a few moments. He sat down on the podium and took a moment, and then he lifted his arm and was like, “Let's go. Why did you guys stop playing?” Our principal clarinet at the time, Loren Kitt, just started playing again. We finally got to the last movement, which is this very triumphant march. At that point, he stood up and finished the piece on his feet. We were all completely emotional. It was one of those moments that you don't forget—just to see the music carrying him through that. All of us on stage wanted to lift him up.

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.

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

Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” | Ohlsson plays Beethoven

Beethoven’s joyful wit and lyricism make his Piano Concerto No. 1 a perfect showcase for pianist Garrick Ohlsson. To close, conductor Louis Langrée conducts Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, the mighty “Organ Symphony.”

November 13, 2025 at 7 p.m.

November 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

November 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth | Ferrández plays Lutosławski

Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Edward Gardner leads Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Symphony No. 5. Pablo Ferrández uses the cello’s dynamic tonal range to engage the orchestra in a captivating conversation.

November 20, 2025 at 7 p.m.

November 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.

November 23, 2025 at 3 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah

Washington, D.C.’s glorious holiday tradition! Handel’s Messiah is as wonderful today as it was more than 280 years ago, inspiring joy from both first-time listeners and returning audiences.

December 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.

December 19, 2025 at 8 p.m.

December 20, 2025 at 8 p.m.

December 21, 2025 at 1 p.m.

2025–2026 CLASSICAL SEASON PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

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.

Mahler’s Tenth, Adagio Lyric Symphony

Thu., Dec. 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 5, 2025 at 8 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 6, 2025 at 8 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.

Winter Daydreams: Noseda conducts Tchaikovsky’s First Trpčeski plays Saint-Saëns

Fri., Mar. 6 at 11:30 a.m.

Sat., Mar. 7 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.

*Please note: The National Symphony Orchestra does not perform in these concerts.

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.

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 magical 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.

March 29, Concert Hall

Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra

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

A look back at our history

1958

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

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

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, the REACH provides new elegance with a modern aesthetic.

Visit tkc.co/weddings or scan the QR code for more information.

PERFORMANCES &

CASUAL & UPSCALE

ARTS GIFTS & SOUVENIRS

When life doesn’t stick to the script, we’re here for you.

From our connected urgent care network and on-demand 24/7 telehealth to lifesaving specialty care, we’re here when and where you need us.

Behind every visit at MedStar Health is a team of top-rated providers, who together make up one of the region’s most respected health systems.

It’s how we treat every patient…with the best of our hearts, and the best of our minds.