Famed for its four-note opening, Beethoven’s Fifth is imaginative, violent, and brimming with drama. 

Noseda leads a program inspired by the written word—from epic tales to stories rich in folk flavor. The concerts feature Grieg’s famous Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s passionate Romeo and Juliet, as well as Berio’s timeless Folk Songs and the world premiere of Songs of Separation by Carlos Simon with “knockout” mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges (The New York Times).

Wind & Wave: Superstar violinist Anne Akiko Meyers gives flight to the world premiere of Blue Electra, Grammy-winning composer Michael Daugherty’s new work inspired by American icon Amelia Earhart. Noseda closes the program with Debussy’s La Mer—a depiction of dawn’s early light upon the sea.

See the world premiere of Kennedy Center artist in residence Carlos Simon's Tales — A Folklore Symphony, along with Dvořák's symphonic poem The Wild Dove and Beethoven's Violin Concerto.

Gianandrea Noseda leads a program spotlighting three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Then, experience the sweeping, spiritual Third Symphony by Florence Price—the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major American orchestra.

The National Symphony Orchestra performs works by its new composer-in-residence, Carlos Simon, who we get to know through his conversation with conductor Steven Reineke.

Enjoy works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Joseph Haydn, and performances by Daniil Trifonov, piano and William Gerlach, trumpet.

Enjoy Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 96 in D major, "The Miracle" and Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3 in G minor.

Dancer, choreographer, and actress Debbie Allen talks about getting her first big break and how the world continues to inspire her.

Folk icon Joan Baez reflects on her history of activism and the transition from music to creative projects of "good trouble".

Famed dancer and actor Fred Astaire reflects on his career after receiving the Kennedy Center Honors.

Midori discusses the unique relationship between violinist and their instrument and the responsibility of being a messenger for the music.

Hear an extended interview with internationally acclaimed soprano Leontyne Price as she reflects on her life and achievements.

Dick Van Dyke shares stories from his legendary entertainment career and the importance of laughter.

Dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and Kennedy Center Honoree Katherine Dunham discusses her technique and legendary career in an extended interview.

American playwright and essayist, Arthur Miller, talks about his life and works in this extended interview with Mike Wallace.

Often called "the dean of American Composers," Aaron Copland shares his thoughts on music and his career in this extended interview.

"The King of Swing" -- American clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman reflects on his life and career in this extended interview.

The famed choreographer, director, and dancer tells the story of her career through an in-depth interview with Dick Cavett.

Hear an extended interview with American composer, conductor, pianist, music educator, and author, Leonard Bernstein as he reflects on his career.

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter talks with legendary performer Dame Julie Andrews about her experience of receiving the Kennedy Center Honors.

Famed actor - and Air Force Pilot - Jimmy Stewart reflects on his career after receiving the Kennedy Center Honors.

Watch a medley of performances from iconic Julie Andrews roles on stage and screen -- as performed by top artists in tribute to the great actor.

A parade of stars pays tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors with performances of some of the country star's many greatest hits.

A gathering of top opera performers pays tribute to the legendary tenor, Luciano Pavarotti at the 2001 Kennedy Center Honors.

The legendary Count Basie performs a toe-tapping tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald from the Kennedy Center Opera House stage during the 1979 Kennedy Center Honors.

Watch the incredible moment when Aretha Franklin performed Carole King's song on our Opera House stage.

Watch an astounding performance by Itzhak Perlman in tribute to Isaac Stern at the 1984 Kennedy Center Honors.

Dionne Warwick gives an amazing vocal performance and Debbie Allen a fun and elegantly choreographed dance in tribute to the legendary Lena Horne at the 1984 Kennedy Center Honors.

Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn and other folk legends pay tribute to the incomparable Pete Seeger at the 1994 Kennedy Center Honors.

Heart performs the iconic Stairway to Heaven in tribute to honorees Led Zeppelin in 2012.

Famed for its four-note opening, Beethoven’s Fifth is imaginative, violent, and brimming with drama. 

Noseda leads a program inspired by the written word—from epic tales to stories rich in folk flavor. The concerts feature Grieg’s famous Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s passionate Romeo and Juliet, as well as Berio’s timeless Folk Songs and the world premiere of Songs of Separation by Carlos Simon with “knockout” mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges (The New York Times).

Wind & Wave: Superstar violinist Anne Akiko Meyers gives flight to the world premiere of Blue Electra, Grammy-winning composer Michael Daugherty’s new work inspired by American icon Amelia Earhart. Noseda closes the program with Debussy’s La Mer—a depiction of dawn’s early light upon the sea.

See the world premiere of Kennedy Center artist in residence Carlos Simon's Tales — A Folklore Symphony, along with Dvořák's symphonic poem The Wild Dove and Beethoven's Violin Concerto.

Gianandrea Noseda leads a program spotlighting three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Then, experience the sweeping, spiritual Third Symphony by Florence Price—the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major American orchestra.

The National Symphony Orchestra performs works by its new composer-in-residence, Carlos Simon, who we get to know through his conversation with conductor Steven Reineke.

Enjoy Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 96 in D major, "The Miracle" and Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3 in G minor.

Music Director Gianandrea Noseda makes his long-awaited return to the Concert Hall!

Watch an exclusive live performance of chamber music filmed on October 30, 2020. Includes works by Donizetti, Tournier, Bach, Rimsky-Korsakov and more!

Ben Folds, NSO Artistic Advisor takes us through his favorite performances from the Declassified series, including Regina Spektor, Gaby Moreno, Jon Batiste, Sara Bareilles, and more!

Watch an exclusive live performance of chamber music filmed on October 2, 2020 from the Opera House stage. Includes works by Ibert, Cambini, Bologne and Beethoven.

Get an introduction to the personalities and talents of Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists. Some of America’s finest young singers and pianists perform some of their favorite arias.

Get an introduction to the personalities and talents of Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists. Some of America’s finest young singers and pianists perform some of their favorite arias.

Get an introduction to the personalities and talents of Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists. Some of America’s finest young singers and pianists perform some of their favorite arias.