2011-2012 Season Announcement

La Cage aux Folles

Winner of three Tony Awards, Entertainment Weekly calls La Cage Aux Folles "hilarious and deeply moving!" It's a tuneful and touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together…stay fabulous…and above all else, stay true to themselves!

Katona József Theatre's Gypsies

Katona József Theatre, one of Hungary's most well-respected theater companies, performs Gypsies, which chronicles the love, tensions, and conflicts that arise among Gypsy musicians and Hungarians in the countryside.

Barbara Cook's Spotlight: Emily Skinner

With Broadway credits including The Full Monty, Side Show, and Billy Elliot the Musical, Emily Skinner returns to the Kennedy Center spotlight in this theater cabaret series curated by Broadway legend Barbara Cook.

Come Fly Away

Ol' Blue Eyes' greatest hits soar in a new way in Twyla Tharp's Broadway musical Come Fly Away. Live music and Sinatra vocals swirl in with "fast, flashing, remarkably intricate dances" (The New York Times) in this swinging show.

Barbara Cook's Spotlight: Aaron Lazar

Broadway actor and singer Aaron Lazar (Les Misérables, A Little Night Music, The Light in the Piazza) performs in this theater cabaret series curated by Broadway legend Barbara Cook.

The Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company

Last seen at the Kennedy Center in 2008 as part of the JAPAN: culture + hyperculture festival, the Mansaku-no-Kai Kyogen Company brings three kyogen works.

First You Dream: The Music of Kander and Ebb

Come hear the music play! Celebrate the songwriting team who created Cabaret, Chicago, The Kiss of the Spider Woman, And the World Goes 'Round, and many more in this musical revue featuring a cast of 6 backed by a 22-piece orchestra.

Memphis

This four-time Tony Award winner, including Best Musical, begs you to turn up the dial. Inspired by actual events, Memphis introduces a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.

Barbara Cook's Spotlight: Barbara Cook

The silvery soprano who knows how to work the spotlight, legendary Broadway star Barbara Cook (Candide, The Music Man, She Loves Me) takes the stage in her own series for the final Spotlight performances of the season.

The Addams Family

The Addams Family brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to life. It's a "classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!" (Chicago Tribune).

American Ballet Theatre

American Ballet Theatre's elegant stars continue to prove ballet's enduring power with Petipa's evening-length work La Bayadère and a mixed repertory program.

New York City Ballet

The acclaimed New York City Ballet, renowned for its linear purity, speed, and musicality, performs two mixed repertory programs accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Bolshoi Ballet: Coppélia

Moscow's renowned Bolshoi Ballet returns with an evening-length production of Petipa and Enrico Cecchetti's Coppélia, classical ballet's greatest comedy, a story of mistaken identity and a beautiful mechanical doll.

Paris Opera Ballet: Giselle

Making a rare international appearance, Paris Opera Ballet brings their beautiful production of the classic evening-length ballet Giselle, choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot.

Mark Morris Dance Group: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato

The innovative Mark Morris Dance Group performs L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato to music by Handel accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, The Washington Bach Consort, and four vocalists.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

America's cultural ambassador to the world, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns for its annual engagement with electrifying new works and a compilation of classics, including the iconic Revelations on every program.

KEIGWIN + COMPANY

Known for provocative, witty, and engaging dances, KEIGWIN + COMPANY returns with a program that includes Megalopolis, a fun and serious blend of formalism and pop performed to a mash-up of music by Steve Reich and M.I.A.

Kabuki Dance by Bando Kotoji

Ballet Preljocaj

Angelin Preljocaj's French dance company performs Snow White ("Blanche Neige"), a contemporary romantic ballet based on the popular Grimm Brothers tale with costumes by Jean-Paul Gautier set to a selection of Mahler's symphonies.

Jo Kanamori/Dance Company Noism

Japan's imaginative leading contemporary dance company, last seen at the Kennedy Center's JAPAN: culture + hyperculture festival, returns for the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of cherry trees to the People of the United States.

Budapest, Prague, and Vienna: Where the Coffee House Influenced the Opera House

Yvonne Caruthers examines the cultural hegemony of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna in their imperial centuries as the centers of classical music and opera.

Washington National Opera: Così fan tutte

In Mozart's game of love and seduction, two young men wager that their fiancées will remain faithful, even when tempted. To prove it, they decide to do the tempting themselves.

Intoxicated by Gypsies

Lecturer Saul Lilienstein traces the connection between the rich tradition of Gypsy music and its influence on classical music composers of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

NSO Family Concert: The Mozart Experience with Magic Circle Mime Company

The NSO and Magic Circle Mime Co. introduce kids to the most famous child star of all time--Mozart! When a mischievous street musician gets caught playing the orchestra's piano, the conductor invites her to "be Mozart" and see life through his eyes.

Christoph Eschenbach & Matthias Goerne, baritone

A renowned Schubert interpreter, pianist Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director for the Kennedy Center and NSO, renews his partnership with baritone Matthias Goerne for Schubert's magnificent song cycle Winterreise.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Matthias Goerne, bass-baritone & Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano / Music of Bartók

Christoph Eschenbach continues The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna with works by Budapest's Bartók. Matthias Goerne and Michelle DeYoung lend their voices to Bluebeard's Castle on a program with The Miraculous Mandarin.

Washington National Opera: Emerging Artist Performances: Così fan tutte

Emerging Artist Performances. In Mozart's game of love and seduction, two young men wager that their fiancées will remain faithful, even when tempted. To prove it, they decide to do the tempting themselves.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Hungarian Dances

The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna continues with Christoph Eschenbach conducting the NSO in "Hungarian Dances," a collection of works by composers Bartók, Kodály, Liszt, and Brahms.

Eros and Freedom: The Viennese Waltz

Lecturer Saul Lilienstein shares the history of the Viennese Waltz and the heady ebullience that swept across 19th century Europe--in three-quarter time.

Washington National Opera: Family Look-In

See the magic of Mozart's delightful opera Così fan tutte come to life with members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program and the WNO Orchestra. A perfect introduction to opera for children ages 6-12 and their families.

Christoph Eschenbach & Dan Zhu, violin

Pianist Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director for the Kennedy Center and NSO, plays Mozart sonatas with violinist Dan Zhu, called "an artist of affecting humility and beautiful tone production" by The Strad magazine.

Takács Quartet

Budapest's Takács Quartet plays with a unique blend of drama, warmth, and humor. For their Fortas debut, they bring a program of quartets by Schubert and Bartók, plus Beethoven's staggering Opus 131.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Beethoven: Fidelio

Christoph Eschenbach continues The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna with NSO performances of Fidelio, Beethoven's only opera, in concert with singers and chorus.

Katona József Theatre's Gypsies

Katona József Theatre, one of Hungary's most well-respected theater companies, performs Gypsies, which chronicles the love, tensions, and conflicts that arise among Gypsy musicians and Hungarians in the countryside.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Music by the Strauss Family

As part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna, Christoph Eschenbach conducts the NSO in works by Johann Strauss Jr. and brother Josef, including the overture to Die Fledermaus, in celebration of their beloved Vienna.

A Taste of Three Cities

Prepare and enjoy the cuisine of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna during this hands-on cooking class and 3-course meal. NOTE: This event does NOT take place at the Kennedy Center.

Prague Philharmonia

Founded in 1994 by Jiri Belohlávek, the 48-member Czech orchestra plays with "warmth, deep feeling, and swinging rhythmic energy" (All Music Guide).

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Dvorák: Stabat Mater

Hear the genius of Dvorák as The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna continues with Maestro Eschenbach conducting the NSO in Stabat Mater, with singers Anne Schwanewilms, Nathalie Stutzmann, Steve Davislim, and Robert Holl.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Music of Dvorák & Janácek

The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna stops in Prague with Christoph Eschenbach conducting  the National Symphony Orchestra in works by Dvorák and Janácek.

Eben Trio (formerly Puella Trio)

Considered one of the most gifted in the young, up-and-coming generation of musicians, Prague's Eben Trio (formerly Puella Trio) makes its U.S. debut with Dvorák's "Dumki" trio and Smetana's heart-wrenching trio.

The Wings of Ikarus Jackson

Ikarus Jackson can fly. Some think it's strange. But when one girl sticks up for him, Ikarus learns to let his spirit soar in this inspiring Kennedy Center dance/theater adaptation of Christopher Myers's colorful children's book. Age 8+

NSO Family Concert: The Mozart Experience with Magic Circle Mime Company

The NSO and Magic Circle Mime Co. introduce kids to the most famous child star of all time--Mozart! When a mischievous street musician gets caught playing the orchestra's piano, the conductor invites her to "be Mozart" and see life through his eyes.

NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Violins, and Trombones, and Bears, Oh, My!

This brand new show for wee children features NSO violinist Marissa Regni with NSO trombonist Barry Hearn. Violin and trombone, what an unusual instrument combination! Ages 3-5.

Washington National Opera: Family Look-In

See the magic of Mozart's delightful opera Così fan tutte come to life with members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program and the WNO Orchestra. A perfect introduction to opera for children ages 6-12 and their families.

Princess of Kaguya

Uncover the story of Taketori no Okina, a childless bamboo cutter as he makes a mysterious discovery inside a stalk of bamboo in this ancient, uplifting tale of love, hope, loss, and a touch of magic.

NSO Kinderkonzert: Musical Opposites

This is the newest program from the Kennedy String Quartet, whose previous shows, Making Music with Friends and Musical Contrasts, were a huge hit with young audiences.

Sleeping Beauty

David Gonzalez adds rhymed verse to put a spin on the classic fairy tale. Live music and image projections create a magical multimedia world in which our beautiful (and funky) princess is awakened by true love's kiss…or not. Age 6+

Black Violin

Kev Marcus and Wil b are Black Violin, two classically trained musicians who, along with their DJ TK and a drummer, have created the ultimate synergy between classical and hip hop music. Age 9+

NSO Kinderkonzert: Brass of Peace

NSO hornist Sylvia Alimena conducts these concerts that bring together the area's finest young brass musicians to teach all about the instruments of the brass family and how they make music out of metal and wind. Age 4+

Emily Loves to Bounce

From Patch Theatre of Australia, Emily is "a masterstroke of ingenuity--a beautiful blend of sound, mime, and illusion. It is intriguing, mystical, funny, and irresistible. Thoroughly absorbing" (Adelaide Theatre Guide). Age 4+

NSO Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals

Join the National Symphony Orchestra for a delightful Family Concert featuring Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals as its centerpiece.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Widmann, Mozart & Schubert

Christoph Eschenbach conducts a program of classical and contemporary genius with Mozart's Clarinet Concerto featuring soloist Jörg Widmann. Widmann's own Armonica features the affecting tones of Christa Schönfeldinger's glass harmonica.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Strauss & Beethoven

The NSO continues its exploration of Beethoven with his immense and emotional Symphony No. 3 "Eroica." With Christoph Eschenbach on the podium, the Orchestra also plays Richard Strauss's masterpiece for 23 strings, Metamorphosen.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, violin, plays Shostakovich

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg has been called "a breathtakingly daring and original artist" by the Washington Post. Now the violinist "who must be experienced in person" plays Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 conducted by Christoph Eschenbach.

Herbert Blomstedt, conductor / Beethoven & Strauss

Herbert Blomstedt conducts as the NSO continues to explore the genius of Beethoven through his breathtaking Fourth Symphony. Also on the program is Richard Strauss's symphonic tale of heroics, Ein Heldenleben.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Matthias Goerne, bass-baritone & Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano / Music of Bartók

Christoph Eschenbach continues The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna with works by Budapest's Bartók. Matthias Goerne and Michelle DeYoung lend their voices to Bluebeard's Castle on a program with The Miraculous Mandarin.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Hungarian Dances

The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna continues with Christoph Eschenbach conducting the NSO in "Hungarian Dances," a collection of works by composers Bartók, Kodály, Liszt, and Brahms.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Beethoven: Fidelio

Christoph Eschenbach continues The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna with NSO performances of Fidelio, Beethoven's only opera, in concert with singers and chorus.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Music by the Strauss Family

As part of The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna, Christoph Eschenbach conducts the NSO in works by Johann Strauss Jr. and brother Josef, including the overture to Die Fledermaus, in celebration of their beloved Vienna.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Dvorák: Stabat Mater

Hear the genius of Dvorák as The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna continues with Maestro Eschenbach conducting the NSO in Stabat Mater, with singers Anne Schwanewilms, Nathalie Stutzmann, Steve Davislim, and Robert Holl.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Music of Dvorák & Janácek

The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna stops in Prague with Christoph Eschenbach conducting  the National Symphony Orchestra in works by Dvorák and Janácek.

Helmuth Rilling, conductor / Mendelssohn: Elijah

Helmuth Rilling conducts Mendelssohn's stirring Elijah featuring NSO debut performances from soprano Marlis Petersen, mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung, and baritone Russell Braun, with tenor James Taylor and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.

Andrew Litton, conductor / Stephen Hough, piano, plays Rachmaninoff

Pianist Stephen Hough's talent is "tremendous, balancing muscle with intelligence, stamina with wit" (The Guardian). Conducted by Andrew Litton, he plays Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the program are works by Frank Bridge and Elgar.

Andreas Delfs, conductor / Nelson Freire, piano, plays Brahms

"An extraordinary pianist" (The New York Times), Nelson Freire makes his much-anticipated NSO debut, playing Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 2 conducted by Andreas Delfs. Also on the program are Haydn's Symphony No. 83 and Weill's Symphony No. 2.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Beethoven

Christoph Eschenbach returns with more breathtaking Beethoven, conducting Leonore Overture No. 3 and Symphony No. 7. The Orchestra also premieres a new work under the auspices of the Hechinger Commissioning Fund.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor / Claudio Bohórquez, cello, plays Lalo

Claudio Bohórquez, "an elegant artist who places his emphasis on song" (The Washington Post), brings that elegance to Lalo's Cello Concerto, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach. The program also features works by Berlioz and Tchaikovsky.

Cirque de la Symphonie / Michael Krajewski, conductor

Conductor Michael Krajewski and the NSO Pops welcome Cirque de la Symphonie, a new production that brings "the Magic of Cirque to the Concert Hall!" The San Francisco Examiner calls the troupe, "dazzling and elegant if not death-defying!"

Wayne Brady Sings the Sammys / Steven Reineke, conductor

Singer/comedian/improv artist extraordinaire Wayne Brady brings to life legendary vocalists Sammy Davis Jr. and Sam Cooke with the help of the NSO Pops and Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

Sweet Honey In The Rock: Affirmations: A Musical Journey of Hope and Aspiration

Sweet Honey In The Rock and the NSO Pops join forces for a world premiere of Bill Banfield's Affirmations. The Grammy Award–winning a cappella group brings its renowned African American vocal styles to this important NSO co-commission.

Marvin Gaye's What's Going On with John Legend and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

On May 1, 1972, Marvin Gaye made history performing his album What's Going On at the Kennedy Center. For the 40th anniversary of that legendary concert, R&B sensation John Legend and the NSO Pops echo Marvin's performance.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy / Steven Reineke, conductor

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs its own brand of retro-swing with the NSO Pops and Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

NSO Family Concert: The Mozart Experience with Magic Circle Mime Company

The NSO and Magic Circle Mime Co. introduce kids to the most famous child star of all time--Mozart! When a mischievous street musician gets caught playing the orchestra's piano, the conductor invites her to "be Mozart" and see life through his eyes.

NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Violins, and Trombones, and Bears, Oh, My!

This brand new show for wee children features NSO violinist Marissa Regni with NSO trombonist Barry Hearn. Violin and trombone, what an unusual instrument combination! Ages 3-5.

NSO Kinderkonzert: Musical Opposites

This is the newest program from the Kennedy String Quartet, whose previous shows, Making Music with Friends and Musical Contrasts, were a huge hit with young audiences.

NSO Kinderkonzert: Brass of Peace

NSO hornist Sylvia Alimena conducts these concerts that bring together the area's finest young brass musicians to teach all about the instruments of the brass family and how they make music out of metal and wind. Age 4+

NSO Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals

Join the National Symphony Orchestra for a delightful Family Concert featuring Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals as its centerpiece.

The Kennedy Center Chamber Players play Martinu, Sinding, Stravinsky & Saint-Saëns

The Kennedy Center Chamber Players play septets by Stravinsky and Saint-Saëns, plus Sinding's Serenade for Two Violins and Piano and Martinu's La Revue de Cuisine.

The Kennedy Center Chamber Players play Boccherini, Paganini & Mozart

The Kennedy Center Chamber Players play Mozart's Piano Quartet in G minor with Christoph Eschenbach, plus two works featuring guitar, Boccherini's "Fandango" Quintet and Paganini's Quartet No. 15 in A minor.

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio plays one of Schubert's best-loved works, the "Trout" Quintet, and the DC premiere of a Fortas co-commission, Pulitzer Prize winner Ellen Taafe Zwilich's Quintet inspired by Schubert's.

Christoph Eschenbach & Matthias Goerne, baritone

A renowned Schubert interpreter, pianist Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director for the Kennedy Center and NSO, renews his partnership with baritone Matthias Goerne for Schubert's magnificent song cycle Winterreise.

Christoph Eschenbach & Dan Zhu, violin

Pianist Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director for the Kennedy Center and NSO, plays Mozart sonatas with violinist Dan Zhu, called "an artist of affecting humility and beautiful tone production" by The Strad magazine.

Takács Quartet

Budapest's Takács Quartet plays with a unique blend of drama, warmth, and humor. For their Fortas debut, they bring a program of quartets by Schubert and Bartók, plus Beethoven's staggering Opus 131.

Ute Lemper with the Vogler Quartet: Berlin Nights/Paris Days: The Art of Chanson

Crossing national and stylistic boundaries alike, the Vogler Quartet, Ute Lemper, and pianist/clarinetist Stefan Malzew embark on an exciting journey, bringing together Weimar chansons and the classical works they influenced.

Eben Trio (formerly Puella Trio)

Considered one of the most gifted in the young, up-and-coming generation of musicians, Prague's Eben Trio (formerly Puella Trio) makes its U.S. debut with Dvorák's "Dumki" trio and Smetana's heart-wrenching trio.

eighth blackbird: Pierrot Lunaire

Grammy Award–winning eighth blackbird returns with a staged cabaret-opera version of Schoenberg's masterpiece Pierrot Lunaire, as well as works by Weill, Berg, and Perle.

The Morgenstern Trio

Hailed for "sheer unbelievable virtuosity" by the Achener Zeitung, The Morgenstern Trio makes its Kennedy Center debut with trios by Debussy, Brahms, and Leonard Bernstein.

KC Jazz Club: Grace Kelly Quintet with Special Guest Phil Woods: Man with the Hat

Young saxophone phenom Grace Kelly returns to the Kennedy Center joined by her mentor, NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Phil Woods. Throughout her career, Kelly has worked with the likes of Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, and many others.

KC Jazz Club: Antonio Hart Organ Group featuring Bobby Floyd

Alto saxophonist Antonio Hart--usually seen in the Center's larger theaters with the likes of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band--returns in a more intimate setting with Hammond B-3 organist Bobby Floyd.

Discovery Artist in the KC Jazz Club: Aaron Diehl

Winner of the American Pianists Association's Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz, Aaron Diehl returns to the Kennedy Center following his tremendous 2008 solo Millennium Stage performance as part of the Jazz in DC celebration.

Discovery Artist in the KC Jazz Club: Gregory Porter

Soulful jazz vocalist Gregory Porter is making waves with his gospel-influenced baritone, tinged with an echo of Nat King Cole.

KC Jazz Club: Nicholas Payton

Hailed as "abundantly gifted" by the New York Times, Grammy Award–winning trumpeter and New Orleans native Nicholas Payton makes his Kennedy Center debut with his own trio.

KC Jazz Club: The Cookers

Jazz veterans Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, George Cables, Cecil McBee, Victor Lewis, David Weiss, and Craig Handy forge a world-class union in their debut for the Kennedy Center as The Cookers.

Dianne Reeves

Four-time Grammy Award winner Dianne Reeves, "the only jazz singer with a voice big enough to rival Sarah Vaughan's" (The New York Times), returns to the Center for a special jazz performance.

Discovery Artist in the KC Jazz Club: Milton Suggs

Baritone Milton Suggs has been described by DownBeat as a "commanding jazz vocalist." See why this 2010 alumnus of the Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead professional training program is making waves with his debut CD Things to Come.

KC Jazz Club: Aaron Parks

A 24-year-old jazz piano prodigy turned professional musician, Aaron Parks is turning heads as he breaks out on his own as a leader with his debut CD, Invisible Cinema.

Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes: Double Portrait

Husband-and-wife jazz pianists Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes team up for two-piano, four-hand duets from their critically acclaimed Blue Note CD Double Portrait, one of the top 50 recordings in the 2010 JazzTimes critics' poll.

KC Jazz Club: Catherine Russell

Vocalist Catherine Russell returns to the Kennedy Center following her show-stopping appearance at the 2010 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival to perform her signature blend of jazz, blues, R&B, and soul.

KC Jazz Club: Julian Lage Group

A Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso, Julian Lage returns with his band following his outstanding January 2010 performance with violinist Mark O'Connor celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

Discovery Artist in the KC Jazz Club: Cécile McLorin Salvant

Winner of the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition, Salvant's classic style has proven to be a vocal force in the jazz community. The Washington Post proclaims, Salvant's "marathon is just beginning."

KC Jazz Club: Dave Samuels and the Caribbean Jazz Project

With a unique blend of jazz, salsa, Afro-Cuban and South American music, percussionist Dave Samuels and the Caribbean Jazz Project create a "singularly multicultural musical experience" (Los Angeles Times).

Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival

The 17th annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival features today's top female jazz artists in three evening concerts. The Washington Post says the festival "speaks volumes about the contributions women have made to jazz."

DC Jazz Festival: Jazz Meets the Classics

Jazz it up with Bach, Chopin, and Mozart, as NEA Jazz Master clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, Co-Artistic Director of the DC Jazz Festival, leads an all-star lineup in jazz interpretations of classical works.