As heard in 2001: A Space Odyssey, the famous ascending brass passage that opens Also sprach Zarathustra is just the tip of this orchestral iceberg. Prepare yourself for a wild ride of cosmic drama led by one of today’s leading conductors, Simone Young. Lise de la Salle—“a musical thinker with charm, imagination and a dazzling technique” (The Washington Post)—performs Mozart’s elegant Piano Concerto No. 9.

Devilishly dexterous and eclectic, Chris Thile is at home in every genre—from bluegrass to Baroque to jazz to indie pop. The Grammy winner’s brand-new work for mandolin, vocals, and orchestra will feature his trademark whimsical songwriting and storytelling, instrumental virtuosity, and ever-present sense of humor. Don’t miss this brilliant exploration of American music both old and new!

Travel through the world of Leonard Cohen with an extraordinary ensemble of legends and luminaries including Madison Cunningham, Ben Folds, Bill Frisell, Don Henley, Gregory Porter, JD Souther, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Trisha Yearwood*. Backed by the raw power of the NSO, this unforgettable concert event features Leonard Cohen’s timeless music—including “Suzanne,” “Hallelujah,” “Famous Blue Raincoat,” and more conducted by seven-time Grammy-winning sensation Vince Mendoza.

Manfred Honeck, whose 2020 recording of Bruckner’s Ninth earned him three Grammy nominations, presents the gripping work live to D.C. audiences. NSO Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef showcases her “especially beautiful playing… brimming with character” (The Washington Post) in Beethoven’s rarely heard Romances for violin and orchestra.

Strap in for the psychedelic rollercoaster of Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s epic fever dream of obsession, ecstasy, tantrums, and wild ambition. The NSO also performs Bryce Dessner’s Mari and Liszt’s scintillating Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by the “one in a million giant of solo piano” Benjamin Grosvenor (The Independent).

Classical music loves a prodigy. Fresh off his multi-album deal with Decca Records, Randall Goosby makes his NSO debut performing Mendelssohn’s masterpiece. Led by Thomas Wilkins, the program also features an inspiring, meditative new work by Anna Clyne and Elgar’s ever-popular Enigma Variations.

A never-before-seen concert experience! Killer Mike is more than just a rapper—he’s a cultural icon. From his groundbreaking collaborations with Run the Jewels to his solo endeavors, Killer Mike’s music resonates with authenticity, raw energy, and a fearless commitment to speaking truth to power. Hear tracks from his newest, three-time Grammy-winning album Michael, and more, accompanied by the epic sounds of the Mighty Midnight Revival and the National Symphony Orchestra live.

Join Gianandrea Noseda on a wild journey into twilight... Composed in a furious burst of inspiration, the Seventh is Mahler at his most mysterious. Indulgent, elusive, and delightfully raw, the Seventh is a problem child for some conductors, but not Noseda. From clanging cowbells and titanic brass to intimate midnight mandolin, Mahler’s glamorous, dusk-to-dawn universe is far beyond this world.

Join us for Sound Health Fridays at The REACH for activities prior to 11:30 a.m. NSO coffee concerts. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and purchase coffee at the Hyannis Port Coffee Bar, and wander the REACH. At 10 a.m., participate in a Morning Sing, attend a health-inspired talk and performance, or join a wellness-inspired workshop.

Experience the thunderous music of Otello in the hands of our opera-loving Music Director. Verdi’s score offers a thrilling exploration of uncontrolled human emotion at its most extreme. Hailed as a pinnacle of Italian operatic repertoire, Verdi’s transformation of the Shakespeare play was described by The New York Times as an “ascent towards a higher musical plane” following its 1887 premiere.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo entrances audiences with her striking voice, stage presence, and visionary fusion of West African culture, American R&B, Latin music, funk, dancehall, and jazz. A once-in-a-lifetime performance!

BANKS and Julien Baker join NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds at his next late-night DECLASSIFIED^® concert! This Kennedy Center-exclusive “part concert, part party” event defies the traditional symphony presentation by offering great live music—both classical and contemporary—in a laid-back, casual setting. Come early and stay late for drink specials, live shows, and more!

In celebration of Juneteenth, witness the fusion of two extraordinary musical worlds! Grammy Award–winning producer Dr. Henry Panion III leads the NSO, local gospel choirs, and special guests at this unforgettable evening of soulful celebration. Get ready to be moved, uplifted, and inspired by classic and contemporary Gospel hits in a symphonic spectacle that will get you on your feet and singing along with joy!

Join us for a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories—100 years in the making! Your favorite characters and soundtracks come to life in this live-to-film concert like never before as the NSO takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable moments from Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, and more.

Trey Anastasio, the longtime frontman of the genre-melding jam band Phish, rejoins the NSO for an unforgettable concert featuring orchestrations of classic Phish songs and solo Anastasio compositions. A curious and constant composer, Anastasio draws inspiration from experimental jazz, classical, rock, pop, reggae, metal, and even barbershop music.

Celebrate Bowie’s final album Blackstar with the NSO and the jazz quartet who made the album. Propelled by a 65-piece orchestra, jazz quartet, and special guest performers, Artistic Director Donny McCaslin and conductor Jules Buckley present new arrangements of Bowie’s extraordinary music by world-renowned orchestrators including Tim Davies, Vince Mendoza, Maria Schneider, Jamshied Sharifi, Tony Visconti, and more.

The NSO kicks off its summer season at Wolf Trap with Beethoven’s Ninth, the symphony by which all others are measured. Witness the cosmic drama of this colossal masterwork, along with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto performed by Sphinx Concerto Competition winner Njioma Grevious.

Coming to Wolf Trap from a galaxy far, far away… Join Luke Skywalker on his journey in the film that started it all! From the triumphant opening fanfare to the ethereal “Princess Leia’s Theme,” John Williams’ Oscar–winning score comes to life in this powerful, live-to-picture experience.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s romantic depiction of Parisian bohemians captivates audiences with soaring arias and glorious melodies. Wolf Trap Opera’s bright cast will embody the relatable, endearing characters in this heart-wrenching tale.

Three decades after Illmatic’s critically-acclaimed release, hip hop legend Nas performs the iconic album in its entirety—plus more music from his illustrious career—with the NSO! Released in 1994, Illmatic is the seminal debut from Nas and has long been considered one of the greatest hip hop records of all time with hits including “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World Is Yours,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell.”

Get ready to embark on the penultimate leg of Harry’s journey as Warner Bros. and CineConcerts bring to the screen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1. Harry, Ron and Hermione face their latest set of challenges and foes both new and old as the seventh film comes to Wolf Trap, projected on a giant screen and accompanied by the NSO. Relive every harrowing moment with an experience you’ll never forget.

Who you gonna call? Experience the ’80s classic like never before as the National Symphony Ochestra performs the Grammy–nominated score and Ray Parker Jr.’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping theme song live-to-film! 

Indie royalty Beck takes the stage! Having amassed a boundary-breaking catalog of gold and platinum albums that consistently straddle the mainstream and avant-garde, the eight-time Grammy winner makes his debut performance with the NSO  in a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. See and hear Beck as never before with unique arrangements of familiar favorites and seldom-heard deep cuts from the master of perpetual reinvention.

From smoky jazz echoing down U Street to the pulsating beats of Go-go born in the heart of D.C., the vibrant sounds of our city come alive at this electrifying concert event! Join the NSO and remarkable local artists as we showcase the music of homegrown heroes such as Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa, and more.

Celebrate the genius of American composers as the NSO performs Aaron Copland’s Suite from Billy the Kid and selections from his Old American Songs, Jessie Montgomery’s Banner, and Here I Stand—a new NSO co-commission by Carlos Simon and librettist Dan Harder. Grammy–winning bass-baritone Morris Robinson and The Washington Chorus join for this special concert.

In partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra, New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Mo Willems uses music and storytelling to take kids and former kids on a playful journey of symphonic silliness.

Prepare yourself for a night of glamor and romance as classical music’s newest rock star Yunchan Lim performs one of the world’s greatest masterpieces, Rachmaninoff’s sweeping Piano Concerto No. 2. Experience Lim’s electrifying NSO debut at this dynamic concert that also features Ravel’s lyrical La Valse and Carlos Simon’s celebratory Four Black American Dances.

You know the famous four-note opening—now, be there for the full glory that is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Imaginative, violent, and wide-ranging, this colossal crowd-pleaser thrusts the audience into Beethoven’s state of mind with roaring tension building to a triumphant, booming climax. Noseda opens the program with Strauss’ Four Last Songs featuring internationally acclaimed American soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen along with Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances.

Noseda brings the drama in Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, a sumptuous sonic self-portrait also depicting the composer’s wife, friends, and even his dreaded music critics. The program begins with Beethoven’s final, heroic piano concerto in the hands of returning favorite Leif Ove Andsnes—“a pianist of magisterial elegance, power, and insight” (The New York Times).

Grammy–winning violinist Joshua Bell presents The Elements, his newly commissioned project featuring works by renowned American composers Kevin Puts (Earth), Edgar Meyer (Water), Jake Heggie (Fire), Jennifer Higdon (Air), and Jessie Montgomery (Space) paired with striking onscreen visuals. Noseda closes the program with Brahms’ radiant Symphony No. 1—a noble, tender, towering masterwork of emotion.

An October tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when National Symphony Orchestra musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace!

Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony is a force to be reckoned with; a veritable declaration of forbidden love shrouded in mystery. This impassioned program also features Prokofiev’s evocative Summer Night Suite and Time’s River, an NSO co-commission by Alexander Raskatov. Outstanding Moscow-born oboist Alexei Ogrintchouk takes center stage for Raskatov’s new concerto, described as “a hymn to nature in resonance with our time.”

Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents classics from four centuries of chamber music.

As the New York Times declares, Emanuel Ax’s performances are “never less than spellbinding.” Experience the power and passion of this modern master live as the seven-time Grammy winner performs Mozart’s fierce and far-reaching Piano Concerto No. 20. In a fitting concert finale honoring former NSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin’s return during his 80th birthday year, Walton’s Symphony No. 1 erupts with energy evolving from fear and despair to strength and triumph.

A “revelation” at the 2018 Grand Piano Competition where she stormed to victory at the age of 10, Alexandra Dovgan has become a teenage piano phenomenon with sold-out concerts worldwide. Witness her extraordinary talent in a performance of Schumann’s masterwork, considered the ultimate romantic piano concerto. Marek Janowski returns to lead the composer’s shimmering Symphony No. 4.

Hallelujah—Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition returns! Since its debut nearly three centuries ago, Handel’s Messiah reigns unchallenged as the ultimate celebration of holiday joy. This year, experience the larger-than-life oratorio in all its splendor as Masaaki Suzuki conducts the NSO, a stellar cast of soloists, and the University of Maryland Concert Choir in this always daring, beloved classic.

Outstanding Mexican artists treat the audience to timeless classics and stirring new music. Jorge Federico Osorio, hailed as “an imaginative interpreter with a powerful technique” (New York Times), takes on Beethoven’s intensely energetic Piano Concerto No. 3. Rachmaninoff’s lush and lively Symphonic Dances come alive under the baton of Carlos Miguel Prieto—who returns following his “revolutionary,” “high-octane” 2018 NSO debut (Washington Classical Review).

Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents classics from four centuries of chamber music.

Immerse yourself in the passion of Samuel Barber’s tour-de-force in the hands of NSO Music Director and renowned opera conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Presented as part of the NSO’s annual Opera in Concert series, Vanessa is a tale of self-discovery, longing, and the raw pursuit of love. Sondra Radvanovsky, J’Nai Bridges, Matthew Polenzani, Susan Graham, and Thomas Hampson join the orchestra as special guests.

Two phenomenal French stars return for a spirited evening of Russian masterworks. Stéphane Denève opens the program conducting Connesson’s Maslenitsa, written in celebration of the sunny Slavic folk festival. Then, powerhouse pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs Khachaturian’s pyrotechnic Piano Concerto. To close, Ravel’s majestic orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition carries us through a gallery of soul-stirring emotion.

Experience the torment and colorful beauty of Tchaikovsky’s four-movement symphony inspired by Lord Byron’s poem. Hailed for his stellar stage presence and joyous musicianship, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and National Sphinx Competition winner Sterling Elliott joins the program to perform Saint-Saëns’ impassioned First Cello Concerto.

Exceptional all-female vocal group Lorelei Ensemble joins the NSO to perform Her Story, Julia Wolfe’s large-scale theatrical work drawn from real letters written by trailblazing suffragettes. Marin Alsop opens the concert with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, an exotic journey of love, peril, and intrigue inspired by the famous folktale about a clever young queen who spins 1001 fantastical stories to outwit a murderous sultan.

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to experience the sublime synergy of two musical superstars, live! For one night only, violinist Leonidas Kavakos and pianist Daniil Trifonov join forces to perform masterworks of their instruments’ repertoire. Bask in the transcendent beauty of Beethoven, the drama of Poulenc, the depth of Brahms, and the avant-garde spirit of Bartók… all in the hands of these extraordinary artists.

Discover Debussy’s delightful Images for orchestra, a series of musical postcards inspired by England, Spain, and France; and Ravel’s sultry slow-burn Boléro, with its sensuously hypnotic theme building to volcanic climax. Also on the program: Rota’s lively Trombone Concerto and Decisamente allegro by Nicola Campogrande, “one of the most interesting Italian composers of the young generation” (OperaWire).

Critics call Leonidas Kavakos’ interpretations of Shostakovich “utterly compelling.” Witness the magic live as the superstar Greek violinist returns to perform Shostakovich’s explosive, unpredictable Violin Concerto No. 2. To close, Stravinsky’s striking ballet score Petrushka dazzles with vivid colors, irresistible rhythms, incandescent brass and winds… a rich bouquet of assorted, ear-rousing moments!

Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents classics from four centuries of chamber music.

Get ready to explore the vastness of space with music inspired by the planets, stars, and beyond!

Under the baton of Fabio Biondi, Mendelssohn’s vivacious Symphony No. 4 captures the zest and exhilaration of Italy’s sun-soaked vistas, bustling cities, and idyllic countryside. But first, Mao Fujita—described by The Times as “a musician of tremendous versatility and taste”—performs one of the grandest of Mozart’s piano concertos: No. 25.

Karina Canellakis takes on feats of musical storytelling in this visionary program. Excerpts from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde capture a passion more powerful than death itself; Scriabin’s symphonic Poem of Ecstasy intoxicates listeners with a whirlwind of color and perfume. Alban Gerhardt opens the concert with a performance of Dvořák’s famous Cello Concerto.