National Symphony Orchestra

NSO at the Anthem:
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony

The Anthem

Join the NSO in an exciting new atmosphere as the musicians ditch traditional tuxedos and evening gowns—deconstructing the concert experience without deconstructing the music. Nicholas Hersh conducts this unforgettable evening featuring music by new Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, a triumphant portrayal of the composer’s struggle with Fate!

Genre

Classical Music
Presenting Sponsor
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Program

Join the NSO in an exciting new atmosphere as the musicians ditch traditional tuxedos and evening gowns—deconstructing the concert experience without deconstructing the music.

Nicholas Hersh conducts this unforgettable evening featuring The Block by new Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony—a triumphant portrayal of the composer’s struggle with Fate!

Only patrons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to attend. Proof of vaccination can be your physical vaccine card or a photo of your card. Exceptions will only be made for children under 12 and those with qualifying medical conditions preventing them from becoming vaccinated. For those patrons, a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR laboratory test taken within 48 hours of the show date will be accepted. Refunds WILL NOT be issued for failure to provide proof of vaccine or negative test. Additionally, all patrons must be fully masked unless actively eating or drinking, per the Mayor’s order.

Support the National Symphony Orchestra

Help build a rich legacy on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for the art form of classical music and its audiences.

Sponsors

Noseda Era Fund Supporters

The NSO Music Director Chair is endowed by the Sant Family

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

Joe Hisaishi is renowned for his fantastical scores to Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films—along with his sensitive symphonic and solo works. In this program, Hisaishi conducts the world premiere of his Concerto for Orchestra and the latest concert version of music from The Boy and the Heron. Please note: this concert is presented without film.

National Symphony Orchestra

Top Gun: Maverick in Concert

May 20 - 21, 2026

Top Gun: Maverick in Concert features the NSO performing the original music score composed by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer and produced by Lorne Balfe. Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. Rated PG-13

National Symphony Orchestra

Appalachian Spring & Mahler’s First

May 29 - 30, 2026

Charles Ives’ Three Places in New England paints an evocative portrait of history and memory. Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite follows—a radiant work of optimism crowned by its iconic “Shaker” melody. Conductor James Gaffigan closes the evening with Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, charting a youthful “Wayfarer’s” journey through darkness to a triumphant, heroic climax.