Noseda and Yuja Wang performing at the annual Gala benefiting the National Symphony Orchestra
(Washington, DC) – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrated a spectacular evening last night, welcoming 450 guests to its annual Gala benefiting the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This year’s event was marked by an outpouring of support that raised a total of $3.45 million in vital funds for the NSO’s performances, education, and community engagement initiatives. Nearly half the attendees were first-time Gala guests, highlighting the Orchestra’s expanding reach and success in engaging new audiences while honoring the steadfast support of longtime patrons.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the Gala and opening concert such a success,” said Jean Davidson, National Symphony Orchestra Executive Director. “What a joy to celebrate with both our devoted supporters and those joining us for the very first time in celebrating the NSO. It is a true testament to the power of music to bring people together. The joy in the hall, the generosity of our supporters, and the brilliance of the performers set a powerful tone for the season ahead.”
“President Trump’s vision to make the Kennedy Center available to more people is clearly working. Half the attendees were first-time guests, and their enthusiasm shattered fundraising expectations, nearly triple what had ever been done before,” said Kennedy Center President Ambassador Richard Grenell. “The energy in the room was inspiring; it reflects the incredible future of the NSO and how deeply the arts matter to our nation.”
“It was a highlight of my year to open the 95th season of the National Symphony Orchestra last night which also marked the beginning of my ninth season as Music Director,” said world-renowned conductor and Music Director of the NSO, Gianandrea Noseda. “Seeing the full hall with our dedicated audience and donors gave the artists of the National Symphony Orchestra and me confidence in our future. We are thankful to both our audience and donors for the historic level of support and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center this season.”
Led by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda, the evening featured an unforgettable performance with pianist Yuja Wang in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, showcasing her celebrated artistry and “scintillating pianism.” The program also spotlighted American voices with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Carlos Simon’s Warmth from Other Suns, a moving meditation on the Great Migration. The concert continued with Dvořák’s Largo from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” and concluded with Rimsky-Korsakov’s exuberant Capriccio Espagnol.
About the National Symphony Orchestra
The 2025-2026 season marks the National Symphony Orchestra’s 95th year running and its 40th year as an official artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Orchestra’s leadership includes the Executive Director Jean Davidson, Music Director Gianandrea Noseda, and Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Steven Reineke.
For more information about the NSO, visit nationalsymphony.org.
About the Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracting millions of visitors each year to more than 2,000 performances, events, and exhibits. With its artistic affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the Center is one of the nation’s busiest performing arts centers, dedicated to providing world-class art, powerful education, and outstanding memorial experiences to the broadest possible constituency.
To learn more about the Kennedy Center, please visit www.kennedy-center.org.