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.

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Simone Young conducts Also sprach Zarathustra Lise de la Salle plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9

California Center for the Arts

Devilishly dexterous and eclectic, “Mandolin God” (Rolling Stone) 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!

Chris Thile: ATTENTION!

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.

Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen

Kennedy Center

Manfred Honeck, whose 2020 recording of Bruckner’s Ninth earned him three Grammy nominations, presents the gripping unfinished 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.

Manfred Honeck conducts Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony Nurit Bar-Josef plays Beethoven

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).

Benjamin Grosvenor plays Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 Daniele Rustioni conducts Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

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

Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations

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.

Song of the Night: Noseda conducts Mahler’s Seventh Symphony

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.

Opera in Concert: Noseda conducts Verdi’s Otello

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!

Angélique Kidjo

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!

A Gospel Symphony Celebration

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 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.

Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic

Embark on an otherworldly journey through David Bowie’s illustrious discography spanning decades of groundbreaking music. 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.

BLACKSTAR Symphony: The Music of David Bowie

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 like Marvin Gaye, Chuck Browne, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa, and more.

National Symphony Orchestra

18 - 20 Apr, 2024

Simone Young conducts Also sprach Zarathustra Lise de la Salle plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9

Apr 23, 2024

Chris Thile: ATTENTION!

26 - 27 Apr, 2024

Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen

2 - 4 May, 2024

Manfred Honeck conducts Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony Nurit Bar-Josef plays Beethoven

9 - 11 May, 2024

Benjamin Grosvenor plays Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 Daniele Rustioni conducts Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

National Symphony Orchestra

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