History and Legacy
Our History
Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been firmly committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed a full season of subscription concerts since the Center opened in 1971
A Look Back at our Maestros
With Gianandrea Noseda being the National Symphony Orchestra's seventh Music Director, the NSO has had a distinguished history of musical leadership.
Portrait Series: Christoph Eschenbach
A Look Back at our Maestros
With Gianandrea Noseda being the National Symphony Orchestra's seventh Music Director, the NSO has had a distinguished history of musical leadership.
Mason Bates on "Passage"
Commissions for the Future
The National Symphony Orchestra has a long history of commissioning, with over 125 new works commissioned since 1956.
A National Orchestra
Throughout its history, the National Symphony Orchestra has served the nation through annual state residencies, national television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, and touring. The NSO is also a cultural ambassador for the United States and represents the nation on tours to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
A National Orchestra
Throughout its history, the National Symphony Orchestra has served the nation through annual state residencies, national television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, and touring. The NSO is also a cultural ambassador for the United States and represents the nation on tours to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
Performance
NSO: Leonard Bernstein’s MASS
This monumental work celebrated its 51-year anniversary in 2022 after its world premiere at the Kennedy Center in 1971.