Get Involved with the National Symphony Orchestra
The Importance of Your Gift
At the heart of The Kennedy Center is the National Symphony Orchestra. Among the nation's landmark cultural institutions, the NSO also enjoys the distinction of being one of the world's finest orchestras. This distinction is due, in large part, to the generosity of the NSO Circles members.
Most people don't realize that gifts from individuals like you comprise the single largest source of the orchestra's contributed income. Neither the NSO nor The Kennedy Center receives direct Federal appropriations for performances; in fact, the only money we receive is for the maintenance of the building as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Ticket sales and other income we earn cover only 40% of our total operating budget, the remainder must be filled by contributions.
The NSO relies on the generosity of its contributors to continue the outstanding quality of performances audiences have come to expect. 
By joining the NSO Circles, you will help the NSO fulfill its mission…
- to enhance its artistic quality as one of the world's great orchestras
- to serve as America's musical ambassador, both at home and abroad
- to provide innovative and inspiring education programs:
- Artistic
Excellence
extraordinary special performances throughout the season with world-renowned guest artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Evelyn Glennie, and Itzhak Perlman. - Young People
Concerts
specially designed NSO concerts that provide an introduction to classical music, and encourage a life-long appreciation of the arts are made available to more than 40,000 Washington metropolitan area students annually. - Quality
Programming
more than 200 concerts annually, including a stellar subscription series, innovative themed festivals, Theater for Young Audiences, and free performances throughout the season. - In-School
Ensembles
small NSO ensembles with interactive, hands-on performances for primary school students. - Youth Fellowship
Program
an intensive, full-scholarship annual training program for approximately 25 serious young musicians interested in pursuing a career in orchestral music. - NSO American Residencies
the only program of its kind in the nation, the NSO shares its artistic and educational resources with communities across the nation that do not have access to the resources of a major orchestra. - National
Outreach
live televised broadcasts of NSO holiday performances from the U.S. Capitol, as well as NSO performances on public radio, and satellite radio to millions of listeners globally.
- Artistic
Excellence