National Symphony Orchestra

Prestigious

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), founded in 1931, is an American symphony orchestra based in Washington, D.C. It is one of the major American orchestras and has been housed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since its opening in 1971. Over the years, the NSO has been led by a series of distinguished conductors, including music directors such as Antal Doráti, Mstislav Rostropovich, Leonard Slatkin, and most recently Gianandrea Noseda. The orchestra is known for its broad repertoire that spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. They have made numerous recordings and have toured both nationally and internationally. The NSO also plays a vital role in arts education and community engagement within the Washington area and beyond.