Name: French Masters: Ravel, Debussy & Tailleferre
Start: 2026-03-07T19:30:00
Location: Strathmore

The National Philharmonic is all set to enchant music aficionados with its upcoming series at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD. Spanning from orchestral masterpieces to cross-genre explorations, the series will feature works from celebrated composers like Coleridge-Taylor, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Prokofiev, and many others. With renowned performers such as Curtis Stewart, Eugene Rogers, and Brian Ganz gracing the stage, this season promises to be a musical journey that captivates both the seasoned connoisseur and the casual listener.

A Year of Musical Mastery: National Philharmonic's Strathmore Series

The National Philharmonic is set to present an exhilarating season at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD, featuring a blend of classical and modern influences. From the orchestral masterpieces of Tchaikovsky and Coleridge-Taylor to the compelling choral works of Bach, this lineup promises to captivate music enthusiasts. The season's highlights include Curtis Stewart on the violin, Eugene Rogers conducting powerful pieces, and Brian Ganz enchanting with Chopin's brilliance. Whether you're a fan of orchestral grandeur or intimate recitals, this season offers something for every musical taste.

A Spectacular Season: Unveiling the National Philharmonic's Diverse Musical Journey

Join the National Philharmonic as it presents an exceptional lineup of orchestral and cross-genre musical events that celebrate cultural diversity and historical richness. From the emotive works of Coleridge-Taylor & Tchaikovsky to the soulful melodies of French masters, this season promises to captivate audiences with its wide-ranging repertoire. Experience the powerful narratives of historic figures, the unity of global prayers, and the ethereal beauty of Handel’s Messiah, all performed at the iconic Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD.

A Symphony of Cultures: National Philharmonic's Season of Diverse Harmonies

The National Philharmonic's 2026 season at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, promises a vibrant mix of orchestral and recital performances, capturing the essence of musical genius across various eras. From the innovative works of Prokofiev and Gershwin to the emotive pieces by Chopin, each event offers a unique glimpse into the world of classical music. With maestros like Benjamin Beilman and Brian Ganz gracing the stage, audiences can expect breathtaking renditions of timeless classics.

Exploring Orchestral and Recital Wonders with the National Philharmonic: A 2026 Season Review

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of orchestral and recital music with the National Philharmonic at Strathmore. From the evocative compositions of Prokofiev, Gershwin, and Beach to the enchantment of French masters like Ravel and Debussy, this musical series offers something for every classical music enthusiast. Experience the intense passion of Chopin's works in a recital finale and witness the ethereal performance of 'The Blue Hour.' Join us as we explore these four remarkable events, each offering a unique auditory experience.

Harmonious Journeys: Exploring the Orchestral and Recital Delights at Strathmore

Andrew Grams

Bridget Kibbey

National Philharmonic

NatPhil’s 2026-2027 Season launches with a trio of works conducted by Carolyn Kuan. Laura Karpman’s All American blends the themes of three patriotic songs composed by Mildred Hill, Emily Wood Bower, and Anita Owen, as an homage to women’s advancement. Pianist Inon Barnatan returns to the NatPhil stage for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, an intense work that bridges the gap between classical elegance and romantic expression and cemented Beethoven’s place in the canon as a bold, individual voice. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s monumental Symphony No. 9. Infused with North American indigenous and folk music and Dvořák’s own impression of the vast, untamed prairies he encountered on a trip to Iowa, the “New World” Symphony is a sonic expanse that feels as fresh and wild as the great frontier upon every listen.

From the New World: Dvořák, Karpman & Beethoven

Strathmore

Join NatPhil and conductor Daniel Hege for a musical journey across the Americas that captures a perfect snapshot of the American experience in each poignant work. Aaron Copland’s sweeping Appalachian Spring Suite paints a portrait of pioneer life, complete with the iconic Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” In Joan Tower’s Made in America, the familiar melody of “America the Beautiful” is explored as a love letter and challenge to the country. Samuel Barber sets James Agee’s prose to music in Knoxville: Summer of 1915, a nostalgic depiction of an idyllic evening in the American South as seen through the eyes of a child, sung by soprano Danielle Talamantes. The charm of George Gershwin takes center stage as Talamantes performs cherished songs like The Man I love and Love Is Here to Stay. The program concludes with the vibrant rhythms of Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez, a colorful and electrifying work inspired by the dance halls of Veracruz that brings the concert to a joyful, high-energy close.

Postcards from America

Rejoice! Handel’s magnificent Messiah returns this holiday season with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and four outstanding soloists conducted by Anthony Blake Clark. Come together and celebrate the magic of this time-honored tradition, from the powerful “Hallelujah” chorus to moments of quiet reflection and uplifting arias. Join NatPhil for the profound shared experience of one of the most beloved works ever written.

Handel’s Messiah

The Music Center at Strathmore

Dust off your theater binoculars and break out the opera gloves for A Night at the Opera! David Charles Abell conducts four distinguished soloists in highlights from your favorite operas. Perfect for experts and the opera-curious alike, don’t miss an evening of the best the art form has to offer.

A Night at the Opera

Step into the richly expressive world of the Romantic era with a program that weaves together the brilliance and storytelling of three iconic composers. Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Overture in C major, a radiant, energetic work full of lyrical melodies and dramatic contrast, is a powerful reminder of her long-overlooked place in the canon. “Rising star” (San Francisco Classical Voice) Ava Pakiam brings passion and precision to Tchaikovsky’s remarkable Violin Concerto, one of the most challenging and renowned showpieces in the repertoire. Felix Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony transports listeners to a landscape of misty highlands and ancient ruins. Inspired by his travels to Scotland, the symphony unfolds as a continuous, atmospheric journey—its shifting moods evoking windswept coastlines, folklore, and quiet reflection.

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

After completing his “Extreme Chopin Project” to perform the complete works Frédéric Chopin, acclaimed pianist Brian Ganz embarks on a new multi-year journey through the catalogue of Beethoven, including his breathtaking sonatas and special appearances by NatPhil musicians and friends. Celebrate new starts and see history in the making from the very beginning.

New Beginnings: Brian Ganz Plays Beethoven

NatPhil and The Washington Chorus reunite for Mozart’s monumental Requiem and the East Coast premiere of Jocelyn Hagen’s What the Soul Already Knows. Few works in classical music carry the mystique and emotional weight of Mozart’s Requiem in D minor. Left unfinished at the time of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s death, this powerful masterpiece has captivated audiences for centuries with its haunting beauty and dramatic intensity. Continuing the exploration of the sacred, What the Soul Already Knows is a 10-movement meditation on our shared humanity and the potential for beauty that arises when we live in alignment with gratitude, unity, and service. Experience the energy of these two powerhouse ensembles in the grand finale of NatPhil’s season.

French Masters: Ravel, Debussy & Tailleferre

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