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Photo of Christoph Eschenbach (Carol Pratt)

National Symphony Orchestra

Led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, the National Symphony Orchestra regularly participates in events of national and international importance, including performances for state occasions, presidential inaugurations and official holiday celebrations. Through its tours of four continents and performances for heads of state, the National Symphony also fills an important international role. Officially founded in 1931, throughout its history the Orchestra has been committed to both artistic excellence and music education. In 1986 the National Symphony became the artistic affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the nation's center for the performing arts, where it has presented a concert season annually since the Center opened in 1971.

Watch Past Performances

The Rubenstein Family Organ Debut 11/27/12: The Rubenstein Family Organ Debut
This performance is not available for viewing.

The new Rubenstein Family Organ is heard publicly for the first time with NSO organist William Neil playing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, Guilmant’s Morceau symphonique, and Gabrieli's Canzon a 12. The program culminates in the Saint-Saëns "Organ" Symphony with the Orchestra conducted by NSO Assistant Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl. Note: Free tickets will be given away, up to two (2) per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 5 p.m. on Tue., Nov. 27 on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Symphony Orchestra 3/24/12: National Symphony Orchestra
This performance is not available for viewing.

Kennedy Center and NSO Music Director Christoph Eschenbach leads members of the NSO in a program showcasing Dvorák's Piano Quintet. Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.

Citibank® Classical Night: National Symphony Orchestra 3/16/12: Citibank® Classical Night: National Symphony Orchestra

Members of the NSO play a program of classical works. Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.

Citibank® Classical Night: National Symphony Orchestra

Members of the NSO play a program of classical works. Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.
Citibank® Classical Night: Three Cities Chamber Music Marathon 3/11/12: Citibank® Classical Night: Three Cities Chamber Music Marathon

The Kennedy Center presents an evening of music from each of the three cities: The third Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble made up of a musician from each Conservatory Project school performs contemporary work as selected and directed by composer Johannes Maria Staud (2:30–4:15 p.m.); members of the NSO perform early works (6–7:45 p.m.); and Quatuor Thymos performs early 20th century works (8–9:30 p.m.). Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.

Citibank® Classical Night: Three Cities Chamber Music Marathon

The Kennedy Center presents an evening of music from each of the three cities: The third Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble made up of a musician from each Conservatory Project school performs contemporary work as selected and directed by composer Johannes Maria Staud (2:30–4:15 p.m.); members of the NSO perform early works (6–7:45 p.m.); and Quatuor Thymos performs early 20th century works (8–9:30 p.m.). Part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.
<i>An American Playlist: An Evening of Classical Works and Popular Song</i> 7/20/10: An American Playlist: An Evening of Classical Works and Popular Song
This performance is not available for viewing.

Acclaimed opera singer and D.C. native Harolyn Blackwell, Grammy winner and 2006 Kennedy Center Honoree Smokey Robinson, Grammy winner John Mayer, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis join the National Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Hugh Wolff and Sarah Hicks. Visit An American Playlist for more information.

John Adams and the Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble 5/17/10: John Adams and the Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble

As part of John Adams: Perspectives, the National Symphony Orchestra’s two-week focus on the American composer, members of the NSO will perform Shaker Loops and the Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble (comprised of a student from each of the 15 participating conservatories) will perform Chamber Symphony—each piece conducted by Adams.

John Adams and the Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble

As part of John Adams: Perspectives, the National Symphony Orchestra’s two-week focus on the American composer, members of the NSO will perform Shaker Loops and the Conservatory Project Chamber Ensemble (comprised of a student from each of the 15 participating conservatories) will perform Chamber Symphony—each piece conducted by Adams.

Haiti Benefit Concert 1/22/10: Haiti Benefit Concert

Tabou Combo showcases the infectious rhythm of Haiti’s dance music konpa, members of the National Symphony Orchestra perform Serenade for 13 Winds by Richard Strauss, and Haitian singers Felina Backer and John Pierremont and Voices United for Haiti perform. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Haiti.

Haiti Benefit Concert

Tabou Combo showcases the infectious rhythm of Haiti’s dance music konpa, members of the National Symphony Orchestra perform Serenade for 13 Winds by Richard Strauss, and Haitian singers Felina Backer and John Pierremont and Voices United for Haiti perform. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Haiti.

National Symphony Orchestra Preview Concert 7/27/07: National Symphony Orchestra Preview Concert
This performance is not available for viewing.

Catch a preview of the NSO’s upcoming season in this special concert. NSO Associate Conductor Emil de Cou will lead works by Bernstein, Copland, Tchaikovsky, John Williams, and more.

NSO: Remembering Rostropovich 5/19/07: NSO: Remembering Rostropovich
This performance is not available for viewing.

Remembering Rostropovich: The National Symphony Orchestra performs a special tribute concert in honor of the late conductor and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich who served as music director of the NSO from 1977 to 1994, and Conductor Laureate from 1994-2007.

Video 6/29/06: National Symphony Orchestra New Season Preview Concert

The NSO performs an exciting sneak preview of its upcoming 2006–2007 season! Associate Conductor Emil de Cou leads a program that includes Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and an excerpt from his Symphony No. 10, in anticipation of the NSO’s Shostakovich Centennial. Anderson's The Typewriter reveals the great things to come during Serious Fun, the NSO's celebration of humor in music. An excerpt from Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet offers a taste of the citywide Shakespeare in Washington festival. The first movement from Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony looks ahead to the next installment of the NSO’s popular Composer Portrait series. An excerpt from Daphnis et Chloé showcases Ravel’s romantic ballet, which will be performed in full later in October. The finale from Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique gives you a glimpse into the new NSO Family Concerts. Other works to whet your appetite include Dvorák’s Slavonic Dance in C major and the final movement from Mahler’s Symphony No. 1.

National Symphony Orchestra New Season Preview Concert

The NSO performs an exciting sneak preview of its upcoming 2006–2007 season! Associate Conductor Emil de Cou leads a program that includes Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and an excerpt from his Symphony No. 10, in anticipation of the NSO’s Shostakovich Centennial. Anderson's The Typewriter reveals the great things to come during Serious Fun, the NSO's celebration of humor in music. An excerpt from Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet offers a taste of the citywide Shakespeare in Washington festival. The first movement from Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony looks ahead to the next installment of the NSO’s popular Composer Portrait series. An excerpt from Daphnis et Chloé showcases Ravel’s romantic ballet, which will be performed in full later in October. The finale from Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique gives you a glimpse into the new NSO Family Concerts. Other works to whet your appetite include Dvorák’s Slavonic Dance in C major and the final movement from Mahler’s Symphony No. 1.

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