The latest news on performances of Classical Music in Washington, DC.
SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres
by A.A. Cristi - May 27, 2026
Senbla and SEGA announced Sonic Live In Concert, a new concert experience celebrating 35 years of the franchise, with US and UK premieres featuring a live orchestra, rock musicians, and vocalists performing music from across the Sonic universe....
Review: AMERICAN OPERA INITIATIVE: THREE 20-MINUTE OPERAS at Washington National Opera
by Roger Catlin - May 26, 2026
The separation of the Washington National Opera from the overrun-and-soon-to-close Kennedy Center has meant next season’s eight planned productions, including five full length operas, will occur on five different stages in the D.C. area. ...
SING DEMOCRACY 250 Will Present National Tour Finale in Washington, D.C.
by A.A. Cristi - April 29, 2026
SING DEMOCRACY 250 will present its Washington, D.C. signature concert, the final stop of a four-city national tour, featuring mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and two newly commissioned works marking America's 250th anniversary....
Joe Hisaishi To Premiere Concerto For Orchestra With National Symphony Orchestra
by A.A. Cristi - April 28, 2026
Joe Hisaishi premieres his new Concerto for Orchestra with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC, followed by performances in Toronto, New York, Colorado, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and a European tour....
BSO to Present CENSORED VOICES: SILENT NO MORE in D.C.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 24, 2026
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will present a chamber concert spotlighting works by Russian composers who faced censorship, featuring pianist Joseph Holt and BSO principals at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C....
Pianist Brian Ganz Completes 16-Year Chopin Quest at Strathmore in April
by A.A. Cristi - April 02, 2026
Pianist Brian Ganz concludes his 16-year journey to perform all of Chopin's works on April 11 at Strathmore, including a newly discovered waltz, and will receive Poland's prestigious Gloria Artis cultural medal....
![NIER:ORCHESTRA CONCERT 12026 [ YORHA ] U.S. Tour Set To Launch This Summer Interview](https://cloudimages2.broadwayworld.com/columnpiccloud/200200-a9f26711a6ca4725a26cf7dd73892823.jpg)
NIER:ORCHESTRA CONCERT 12026 [ YORHA ] U.S. Tour Set To Launch This Summer
by A.A. Cristi - March 24, 2026
NieR:Orchestra Concert 12026 [ YoRHa ] will launch a U.S. tour featuring music from the NieR series. The symphonic concert includes a full orchestra, chorus, and vocalists. The tour begins in Seattle and will travel to cities across the country....
Han Chen & Roberta Michel to Perform at The Phillips Collection in 2026
by A.A. Cristi - March 18, 2026
GRAMMY-nominated pianist Han Chen and flutist Roberta Michel will present a duo concert at The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. on March 22, 2026. This event is part of the venue's esteemed Sunday Concert series....
Congressional Chorus Marks 20th Annual Cabaret with BRITISH INVASION, AMERICAN STORY
by A.A. Cristi - March 12, 2026
The Congressional Chorus will present its 20th annual cabaret event, themed 'BRITISH INVASION, AMERICAN STORY,' celebrating two decades of performances. This special event will showcase a dynamic mix of British music that has significantly influenced the American music scene. Audiences can expect a ...
National Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jean Davidson to Step Down Amid Turmoil at Kennedy Center
by Joshua Wright - March 06, 2026
National Symphony Orchestra executive director Jean Davidson will step down from the Kennedy Center after less than three years, citing ongoing turmoil at the arts institution....
National Chamber Ensemble to Present CHORDS OF DESIRE: BROADWAY AND OPERA FAVORITES
by A.A. Cristi - February 12, 2026
The National Chamber Ensemble will present a special Valentine's concert this Saturday, offering a memorable evening of music. Attendees are encouraged to confirm their attendance for ticket reservations....
Trump’s Kennedy Center Closure Leaves National Symphony Orchestra Scrambling
by Joshua Wright - February 04, 2026
President Donald Trump’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years has left the National Symphony Orchestra scrambling to find a new venue and raised questions about funding....
Kennedy Center Responds To Philip Glass Symphony Premiere Cancellation
by Joshua Wright - January 27, 2026
The composer withdraws the planned world premiere of Symphony No. 15, citing concerns about the institution’s current direction....
Washington National Opera Negotiates Kennedy Center Exit & Endowment Ownership
by Joshua Wright - January 22, 2026
Washington National Opera’s planned separation from the Kennedy Center is moving into a complex legal stage, with negotiations underway over assets, facilities, and the future of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra....
Post Kennedy Center Split, Washington National Opera Sets Stephen Schwartz Hosted WEST SIDE STORY Gala & More
by Joshua Wright - January 16, 2026
Washington National Opera announces spring 2026 performances at venues across the D.C. area, including Treemonisha, The Crucible, and additional concerts during its 70th anniversary season....
Washington National Opera Announces Plans to Leave the Kennedy Center
by Joshua Wright - January 09, 2026
The Washington National Opera has approved a resolution to move its performances out of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ending a relationship that has spanned more than five decades....
National Chamber Ensemble Unveils Winners of the 2025 Young Artist Competition
by A.A. Cristi - December 01, 2025
The National Chamber Ensemble is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Competition. This year's event showcased an outstanding group of talented young pianists from Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia....
National Chamber Ensemble Will Present HOLIDAY CHEER In December
by A.A. Cristi - November 20, 2025
The National Chamber Ensemble will present its annual HOLIDAY CHEER concert on December 20 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. The program will include seasonal works by Leroy Anderson, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Strauss, Saint-Saëns, and others....
National Chamber Ensemble Opens 19th Season with PARISIAN DREAMS: RAVEL AND SAINT-SAËNS
by A.A. Cristi - October 21, 2025
The National Chamber Ensemble opens its 2025–2026 season with Parisian Dreams: Ravel and Saint-Saëns on November 8 at Gunston Arts Center in Arlington....
Violinist Sarah Fazendin Joins THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour as Concertmaster
by Emmy Rice - August 12, 2025
Violinist Sarah Fazendin will lead the Broadway North American tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music as concertmaster. Set to launch September 9, 2025 at The Kennedy Center, this national Broadway tour will continue into 2026....
Review: THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at Wolf Trap
by David Friscic - June 24, 2025
The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s beloved opera of amorous lovers, mistaken identities, and affairs of the heart, is replete with warmth, lyricism, and a touch of sweetness. Though there is formal elegance galore in Mozart, Director E. Loren Meeker has opted for a warm and affectionate approach to ...
The Washington Chorus Launches New Brand Identity and Unveils 2025–2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - June 09, 2025
The Washington Chorus has announced its new brand and logo, as well as its 2025-2026 season. With concerts exploring light and love (in all its forms), the upcoming season features guest appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, TWC's annual collaboration w...
Following Trump Takeover Kennedy Center Subscription Sales Drop 36%
by Joshua Wright - June 03, 2025
Kennedy Center subscription sales fall 36% compared to 2023, with theater revenue dropping 82%. The decline follows President Donald Trump’s appointment as board chair and Richard Grenell as president....
Review: AMERICAN RHAPSODY at Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - May 07, 2025
An evening of the myriad modes of music that constitute the American Experience was celebrated at the Kennedy Center’s production of American Rhapsody. The evening was a rich treasure trove of the glory that is American music from opera, spirituals, modern composers, classic songwriters, and Broad...
International Pride Orchestra's Pride Celebration Concert Now On Sale At Strathmore
by A.A. Cristi - April 22, 2025
The International Pride Orchestra has announced that tickets are now on sale for its highly anticipated one-night-only Pride Celebration Concert at the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland. ...
Gianandrea Noseda Extends With National Symphony Orchestra Through 2031
by Sidney Paterra - March 19, 2025
Gianandrea Noseda will remain National Symphony Orchestra music director through 2031, as the Kennedy Center adjusts to recent changes under President Trump. Noseda, who has held the post since 2017, said he sees more to accomplish with the ensemble....
Washington Master Chorale Presents Rachmaninoff's THE ALL NIGHT VIGIL AT 110
by A.A. Cristi - February 21, 2025
On Sunday, March 16 at 5pm Washington Master Chorale (WMC) will present The All Night Vigil at 110 at Church of the Epiphany in Washington, DC (1317 G Street, NW)....
Washington Master Chorale Rings in the Season with COMFORT + JOY
by A.A. Cristi - November 22, 2024
Due to popular demand, Washington Master Chorale's cherished holiday tradition of seasonal choral music will be performed two times this year. Comfort + Joy, as it has been dubbed this year, will present British and American works that embody the spirit of the season, such as Lute-Book Lullaby, I Sa...
Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Hankey to Perform With Pianist Myra Huang In Recital at Vocal Arts DC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 19, 2024
Mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey and pianist Myra Huang will perform at The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater in January, presented by Vocal Arts DC. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets....
The Miró Quartet to Perform At The Kennedy Center's Fortas Chamber Music Concerts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 13, 2024
The Miró Quartet will mark its 30th anniversary with a performance at The Kennedy Center's Fortas Chamber Music Concerts, featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, and Caroline Shaw. Learn how to purchase tickets....
Review: FIDELIO at Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - October 28, 2024
The Washington National Opera’s production of Beethoven’s Fidelio is a triumph of elegant, efficient style and directorial finesse. Director Francesca Zambello re-invigorates the somewhat uninspired libretto by Joesph Von Sonnleithner with a vigor and intelligence that envelops this tale of valo...
Review: RENÉE FLEMING AND THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA at Kennedy Center
by Elliot Lanes - October 21, 2024
With the size of theatrical orchestras being drastically cut, one of the few places left to hear a full string section is at a symphonic concert. What better symphony is there than YOUR National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)?...
National Chamber Ensemble to Present HUNGARIAN MUSICAL MASTERPIECES in November
by Blair Ingenthron - October 06, 2024
The National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) opens its 2024-2025 season on Saturday, November 9 at Gunston Arts Center's Theater One with Hungarian Musical Masterpieces. This program marks the company's 18th year of live performances under the season theme of 'Classical to Classics: 300 years of Memorable Mu...
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra & Classical Mystery Tour to Celebrate The Beatles at Capital One Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 03, 2024
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Classical Mystery Tour will perform at Capital One Hall, celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Beatles' album A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets! ...
Update: National Symphony Orchestra Musicians Strike Over Contract Dispute with Kennedy Center Resolved
by Joshua Wright - September 27, 2024
After a brief strike period, the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) leadership have announced they have reached a new 18-month labor agreement with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, AFM Local 616-710....
Review: ECHOES OF AMERICA at Kennedy Center
by Elliot Lanes - September 16, 2024
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) began their classical season this past Saturday evening in a very satisfying manner. The program was entitled Echoes of America and was conducted by the Artistic Director of The Washington Chorus Eugene Rogers....
Folger Consort Opens 2024/25 Season With Early Italian Music In September
by A.A. Cristi - August 14, 2024
Folger Consort opens its 2024/25 season in September with a performance of early Italian music, showcasing compositions from the medieval and Renaissance periods....
Vocal Arts DC Presents Lucas and Irina Meachem in Recital at The Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater
by A.A. Cristi - August 08, 2024
On Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 7:30pm, Vocal Arts DC will present GRAMMY Award-winning baritone Lucas Meachem alongside accomplished pianist Irina Meachem in a season-opening recital at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater in Washington DC. ...
Review: BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY: THE MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE at Kennedy Center
by Roger Catlin - July 02, 2024
It was a one-two punch to fans of David Bowie in early 2016 when the rock star was suddenly pronounced dead and two days later, on what would have been his 69th birthday, released his final album, “Blackstar,” a preordained farewell addressing his demise....
Top Youth Choirs Come Together For SONGS FROM THE HEARTLAND Concert Supporting UNICEF USA
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2024
The Cincinnati Youth Choir, Young Naperville Singers and the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City will travel across the country this summer to present Songs from the Heartland: Youth Supporting UNICEF USA on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at National Presbyterian Church. ...