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A Symphony of Stars: National Symphony Orchestra's Stellar Spring Line-Up
The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, becomes the epicenter of musical excellence this Spring as the National Symphony Orchestra presents a series of breathtaking performances. From Mendelssohn's lively Symphony No. 4 conducted by Fabio Biondi, to the innovative fusion of classical and electronic music by Max Richter, these events promise an unforgettable auditory experience. Renowned artists like Mao Fujita, Karina Canellakis, Gianandrea Noseda, and Joshua Weilerstein showcase their mastery, ensuring that each concert resonates with audiences on a profound level.
Apr 6, 2025
Share1. Fabio Biondi conducts Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Mao Fujita plays Mozart
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.
3 - 6 Apr, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
2. Karina Canellakis conducts Tristan und Isolde & The Poem of Ecstasy | Alban Gerhardt plays Dvořák
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.
10 - 12 Apr, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
3. Noseda conducts Shostakovich’s Fourth Lisa Batiashvili plays Schnittke
With Noseda at the helm, Lisa Batiashvili’s performances of Schnittke’s postmodern, genre-defying Violin Concerto No. 1 are “full of fire, imbued with the spirit of discovery…” evoking “the sense that anything could happen.” Now, D.C. audiences have a chance to experience the “fantasy and fury… a performance to cherish” (Classical Explorer). To close, Shostakovich’s revolutionary Symphony No. 4 unleashes a wild, riveting, glorious assault on the senses.
1 - 3 May, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
4. Max Richter
Max Richter is one of the most influential and acclaimed composers of all time. His fusion of classical technique and electronic technology, heard across genre-defining solo albums and countless scores for film, dance, art, and fashion, has won him legions of fans around the world and blazed a trail for a generation of musicians. Please note: the NSO does not perform on this program.
May 2, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
5. Noseda conducts Mahler’s Sixth
Growling marches. Nostalgic lullabies. Thunderous hammer blows of fate. Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 seizes audiences from its very first notes, taking us on a dream-like journey through the composer’s concepts of dark destiny, heroic struggle, and ultimately, quiet bliss. Don’t miss this heartfelt masterpiece conducted by Noseda, whose Mahler performances are celebrated as “devilishly good” (Bachtrack).
8 - 10 May, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
6. Kennedy Center Chamber Players: Summer Concert
Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents chamber music classics.
May 11, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
7. Noseda conducts Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis
“From the heart, may it again go to the heart,” an inspired Beethoven wrote above the opening “Kyrie” in the manuscript of his greatest choral work, the Missa Solemnis. The Washington Chorus and remarkable guest soloists Erika Grimaldi, Rihab Chaieb, Saimir Pirgu, and Marko Mimica join the NSO for this infrequently performed epic mass—a vast symphonic statement of mysticism, drama, and sacred intimacy.
15 - 17 May, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
8. Gianandrea Noseda conducts Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis
“From the heart, may it again go to the heart,” an inspired Beethoven wrote above the opening “Kyrie” in the manuscript of his greatest choral work, the Missa Solemnis. The Washington Chorus and remarkable guest soloists Erika Grimaldi, Rihab Chaieb, Saimir Pirgu, and Marko Mimica join the NSO for this infrequently performed epic mass—a vast symphonic statement of mysticism, drama, and sacred intimacy.
15 - 17 May, 2025
The Washington Chorus
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
9. Joshua Weilerstein conducts Bernstein & Dawson | John Kimura Parker plays Gershwin
The NSO brings you William Dawson’s stirring Negro Folk Symphony—a work one New York critic called “the most distinctive and promising American symphonic proclamation which has so far been achieved.” Joshua Weilerstein completes the program with Bernstein’s ever-popular Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s jazz-infused Rhapsody in Blue.
29 - 31 May, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
10. Amadeus Full Film with Live Orchestra
Experience the opulent period epic as the NSO performs the score live-to-picture! Winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Amadeus tells the story of vindictive composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), who is consumed by jealousy for his rival—the petulant genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce).
Jun 4, 2025
National Symphony Orchestra
Washington, DC · Kennedy Center
Conclusion
This spring, the Kennedy Center becomes a musical haven, offering performances that not only entertain but deeply move attendees. The National Symphony Orchestra, alongside world-renowned performers, presents a series of concerts that are as diverse as they are compelling. From the poignant narratives of Wagner and the futuristic soundscape of Richter to the classical mastery of Beethoven and Mozart, these events promise to leave a lasting impression on all who experience them. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the union of tradition and innovation in the world of orchestral music.
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