In 1986 the National Symphony became the artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the nation's center for the performing arts, where it has presented aregular concert season annually since the Center opened in 1971. The Orchestra itself numbers 100 musicians, presenting a 52-week season of approximately 175 concerts each year. Theseinclude classical subscription series, pops concerts, and an extensive educational program: Young People's Concerts, presented to 40,000 students each year; programs and concerts fortalented high school musicians; concerts designed to introduce high school students to classical music; study programs to encourage minority musicians; a competition to recognize especiallygifted soloists, and several lecture series. Read More...

volunteer orchestrat that performs music by Latin American and Spanish composers; highlights local Hispanic talent; stages Spanish-singing operas; hosts Latin American visiting symphony orchestras and soloists.