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

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

EPSG:4326

The Blue Hour

Strathmore

Extreme Chopin: The Finale

French Masters: Ravel, Debussy & Tailleferre

Prokofiev, Gershwin & Beach

Handel’s Messiah

One Song: Exultávit!

Celebration: Coleridge-Taylor & Tchaikovsky

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

Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

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.

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.

Chopin the Virtuoso

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

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.

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.

National Philharmonic

Sep 20, 2026

From the New World: Dvořák, Karpman & Beethoven

Nov 7, 2026

Postcards from America

19 - 20 Dec, 2026

Handel’s Messiah

Feb 20, 2027

A Night at the Opera

Mar 13, 2027

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

May 9, 2026

The Blue Hour

Apr 11, 2026

Extreme Chopin: The Finale

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