The National Symphony Orchestra has finally announced its long-delayed, much-anticipated schedule for the 2026–27 season, with performances at the Music Center at Strathmore, Lisner Auditorium, Center for the Arts at George Mason University, and several other venues, none of which are the Kennedy Center. Gianadrea Noseda is returning for his 10th season at the helm of the orchestra. The season opens September 26, 2026, with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Carlos Simon’s Monuments—Suite for D.C., and Respighi’s La Boutique fantasque. Other performances will include Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, Dvořák’s Piano Concerto, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. John Adams will conduct his own Scheherazade.2, featuring violinist Leila Josefowicz.
This will not be a typical season—starting with the fact that the orchestra’s schedule is usually announced in February or March. The delay came as a result of budget and building drama with the Kennedy Center after President Trump took over. As the legal battles continue, the orchestra will be performing away from its longtime home, salvaging a season at the last moment.
