Discover Classical Music in Washington D.C.
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Discover classical music in Washington D.C. with our comprehensive guide. From the Kennedy Center to the National Symphony Orchestra, find out where to go and what to hear.
Introduction
Are you a classical music lover looking for something to do in Washington D.C.? If so, you’re in luck! The city is home to a variety of classical music venues, from world-renowned concert halls to more intimate settings. Read on to learn about some of the best places to enjoy classical music in the nation’s capital.
The Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world-renowned performing arts complex in Washington, D.C. that hosts a wide variety of classical music performances throughout the year. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the center is home to seven theaters, including the Opera House, which is one of the most popular venues for classical music in the city. The Kennedy Center also offers a wide range of educational programs and workshops for children and adults, making it an ideal place to discover classical music in Washington, D.C.
The National Symphony Orchestra
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is an American symphony orchestra, based in Washington, D.C.. The organization educates, entertains, and engages audiences throughout the Washington area. The NSO presents approximately 175 concerts each year of classical and popular music.
Founded in 1931, the NSO is one of the major American orchestras commonly referred to as the “Big Five”. The NSO performs at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C.. It also frequently performs outdoors at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, located in nearby Virginia.
The NSO’s current music director is Riccardo Muti, who took up his post in 2016. He has stated that he intends to maintain the orchestra’s tradition of versatility and engagement with both new and established works.
The Washington National Opera
The Washington National Opera is one of the most important cultural institutions in the nation’s capital. The company was founded in 1957 as the Washington Opera Society by a group of volunteers who wanted to bring grand opera to the city. The first season included performances of Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s Aida. In 1961, the name was changed to the National Opera Company, and in 1963, it moved into the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The company became known as the Washington National Opera in 1986.
The Washington National Opera presents a wide variety of operas each season, ranging from beloved classics to contemporary works. In addition to productions at the Kennedy Center, the company also offers outreach programs and educational initiatives that bring opera to people throughout the Washington area.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra based in Baltimore, Maryland. The orchestra is designated as the official orchestra of Maryland, and is currently led by Music Director Marin Alsop. The BSO gave its first public performance in 1916 under the direction of Antonia Dvorak.
Today, the BSO performs over 130 concerts per year at various venues throughout Baltimore and Washington D.C. They also present an annual summer series at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland. The BSO has a long history of recording, and their most recent release is a live recording of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony from February 2017.
The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras
The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) is a comprehensive program that offers orchestra, chamber music, and intensive orchestral training for young musicians in the Washington, D.C. area. The MCYO has five orchestras and ensembles, serving over 300 students in weekly rehearsals and weekly sectionals. The orchestras range in age from 8 to 18 years old, with students of all abilities welcome.
The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras program reaches beyond the concert hall, with an extensive community outreach program that includes performances at senior centers, hospitals, and schools throughout the Washington, D.C. area. These performances are free of charge and are a great way to introduce children and adults to the beauty of classical music.
For more information about the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, or to purchase tickets to one of their concerts, please visit their website at www.mcyo.org.
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is one of the premier classical music organizations in Washington D.C. The orchestra is known for its high-quality performances and has been praised by critics for its innovation and range. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is a great way to discover classical music in Washington D.C.
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a non-profit organization in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1949, it is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the Washington metropolitan area. The ASO performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
The ASO’s mission is “to provide musical experiences of the highest quality which enrich and serve our community.” The ASO presents a classical music concert series each fall and spring, as well as special events and educational outreach programs throughout the year.
