Get ready for an exhilarating lineup of musical events this fall in North Bethesda and Annapolis! Kicking off the season, Maestro Joseph Young makes his debut with the National Philharmonic at the Rachmaninoff Festival in North Bethesda. Then, experience the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra's 'Masterworks I: Pasajes' as they bring Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 to life, performing in both Annapolis and North Bethesda. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra also has exciting offerings with 'Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra' and a dazzling tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in 'Lush Life.' Finally, don’t miss the powerful performance of Verdi’s Requiem by the National Philharmonic and the award-winning choral organization, Cantate.

Celebrate Music in North Bethesda and Annapolis: From Rachmaninoff to Ellington

As the calendar year unfolds, the National Philharmonic invites you to indulge in an extraordinary series of concerts that encapsulate the essence of musical fervor and cultural reflection. From the timeless holiday magnificence of Handel's Messiah to Brian Ganz's dedicated homage to Chopin, powerful choral explorations in Stand the Storm, and the poignant melodies of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, these events promise to engage and inspire audiences across the region. Join us in celebrating these remarkable musical journeys led by some of the most talented artists and visionaries of our time.

A Symphony of Seasons: National Philharmonic's Diverse Musical Offerings

The upcoming events at the Strathmore in North Bethesda promise an enriching blend of classical brilliance and socio-cultural reflection. From the intricate piano compositions of Frédéric Chopin brought to life by Brian Ganz, to the choral force of 'Stand the Storm' exploring American socio-political discourse, and the orchestral depth of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 under the baton of Naima Burrs, these performances highlight the enduring power of music to evoke, challenge, and inspire audiences. Join the National Philharmonic in this exploration of artistic genius and societal narratives.

A Musical Odyssey: Celebrating Chopin, Shostakovich, and the Voice of Change

This program, guest conducted by Naima Burrs, brings you three very different but very important masterpieces of classical music written in the last century.

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Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Strathmore

The Washington Chorus and National Philharmonic join forces once again to bring American voices and struggles to life on stage in “Stand the Storm.” On this program, composers Nkeiru Okoye, Leonard Bernstein, John Legend, Common, and Rollo Dilworth demonstrate their own method for both standing through adversity and enacting the change necessary to build and sustain communities that are fair and just for all. Featuring the world premiere of the brand-new symphonic orchestration for Dilworth’s Weather: Stand the Storm, as well as the beloved arrangement of “Glory” by TWC’s own Eugene Rogers, join us as we examine our nation's disparities and find strength and unity through this powerful performance.

Stand the Storm

Grammy-nominated violist, music educator and author Nick Revel is your guide through DragonScales: The Hero Levels, leading music educators and string players through the 25 Fantasy Etudes to Slay Evil on Friday, March 14 at 6 PM at Potter Violins, presented by National Philharmonic and ASTA MD/DC Chapter.

Revel will present his collection of video game-inspired etudes, arm music educators with their own tools to slay evil, and create an army of musicians ready to be the heroes of their own magical adventure fantasies. The night ends with a jam session worthy of a flagon of the realm's finest ale!

DragonScales: The Hero Levels

Potter Violins

Harmonic Justice: Freedom in Music explores the idea of music as a tool for creative expression and social change, and asks, "What inspires engaging performances?" Join National Philharmonic musicians, guest artists, and community members on March 6 at 6:30 PM at Busboys and Poets in Takoma Park for an evening of casual conversation and thought-provoking connection around the theme of freedom in music.

Grab a drink and a bite while NatPhil guest conductor Naima Burrs and concert leader Dr. Laura Colgate spark a lively discussion about how music can make us feel free, using the themes and stories behind NatPhil's upcoming concerts as a guide. Share your thoughts, meet fellow music lovers, and be a part of the dialogue that brings performances to life.

Harmonic Justice: Freedom in Music

Busboys & Poets

In 2011, pianist Brian Ganz began his world-famous quest to perform all 250 works by Frédéric Chopin in what he calls the “Extreme Chopin” project, in partnership with National Philharmonic at The Music Center at Strathmore. Chopin is considered one of the greatest piano composers in history, and Ganz has been capturing over the years, one performance at a time, the magic and majesty of the Polish artistic genius. Now that he is nearly done with this mythic musical quest, he brings some of the most challenging and exciting Chopin compositions to where it all began. Join him in celebrating the composer, as he captures Chopin’s passion and power. It’s all happening on February 28th, only hours away from the composer’s 215th birthday. 

An Evening of Chopin with Brian Ganz

December is the time for the best holiday traditions! Join us for the ultimate holiday classic, Handel’s Messiah, as guided by guest conductor Anthony Blake Clark. The dynamic and passionate maestro is known as a leading voice among his generation of choral conductors.

Handel’s Messiah

Capital One Hall

Like NatPhil, award-winning and critically acclaimed choral organization Cantate is celebrating their 40th anniversary season, which makes it the perfect time to join in collaboration! Welcome Cantate Artistic Director and former NatPhil Associate Conductor Victoria Gau as guest conductor premiering this exciting new partnership with a full-scale production of Verdi’s Requiem.

Verdi’s Requiem

Maestro Joseph Young kicks off the 40th Anniversary Season as he takes the stage for his first appearance as guest conductor with National Philharmonic. Young balances a flourishing career with roles as Music Director of the Berkeley Symphony and Artistic Director of Ensembles at the Peabody Conservatory. His performances are such an experience, one audience member during his performance of Rhapsody in Blue said, “I don’t want to leave this room, because I don’t want to leave this feeling.”  (The Daily Californian).

Rachmaninoff Festival

Virtuoso violinist Sarah Chang returns to NatPhil for Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in a program conducted by Maestro Piotr Gajewski. Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is a masterpiece of romantic music with soaring melodies and lush harmonies that make it one of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire. Paired with the concerto on the first half of the program is Cuban-born composer Tania León’s Ácana, inspired by Cuban Laureate Poet Nicolás Guillén’s poem dedicated to the towering ácana tree, an essential force in Cuban life and society. León received the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Music and was named a recipient of the 45th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements in 2022. 

Natphil: Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1

The Music Center at Strathmore

National Philharmonic and The Washington Chorus reunite under the baton of TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers for a program highlighting the brilliant choral works of Lili Boulanger, Igor Stravinsky, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The intricate harmonies, expressive melodies, and expansive orchestration of Boulanger’s Psalm 24 paint a picture of the composer’s faith and immense talent. While Symphony of Psalms is a profound work that blends religious texts into Stravinsky’s unique musical vision, using dissonant harmonies and shifting meters to create a sense of drama and tension. 

L’éternel

Mozart & Mahler unites two classical music powerhouses and two of National Philharmonic’s favorite guest artists under the baton of Maestro Piotr Gajewski. Pianist Claire Huangci joins the NatPhil Orchestra for Mozart’s striking Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, one of his most complex and virtuosic works. Featuring a darker tone than many of his other piano works, Concerto No. 24 sweeps between moments of turmoil and serenity, showcasing Huangci’s technical prowess and the expressivity of the full orchestra.

Mozart & Mahler

Pianist Brian Ganz returns in recital to the NatPhil stage to continue his enduring quest to perform every note the great Polish composer Frédéric Chopin ever wrote. Since its inception in 2011, the “Extreme Chopin” project has showcased Ganz’s virtuosity, deep musicality, and engagement with his audience through Chopin’s magnificent works. This year’s program highlights Chopin’s own virtuosity through some of his most challenging compositions, masterfully performed by Ganz.

National Philharmonic

Apr 5, 2025

Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Mar 15, 2025

Stand the Storm

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