Speaking to Kennedy Center employees, the Post revealed that the orchestra’s classical concerts saw about 41 percent of capacity, down from 58 percent last year and 72 percent in 2024. The orchestra’s “Stayin’ Alive” Bee Gees tribute, which was expected to make $238,000 off two shows, only earned $26,730.

As the Thursday board meeting approaches, the National Symphony Orchestra will depend on the Kennedy Center’s board regarding its future. In October 1986, the Kennedy Center absorbed an NSO facing financial ruin and under the affiliation agreement, the center took responsibility for the NSO’s liabilities as well as its future operating costs. The orchestra also transferred its endowment into the center’s trust account and handed its fundraising, marketing and accounting to Kennedy Center staff. Three years later, the two amended the deal to make it effectively permanent and only being able to be dissolved by a three-fourths votes of both boards.

According to Axios, the board has drawn up three scenarios regarding its future season. According to the report, the first scenario would force the NSO to decamp to offsite alternate venues while limited programming continued at the REACH while a second scenario would keep the NSO performing inside the Kennedy Center itself, with construction carried out in phases. The third scenario would force the NSO to pause its programming.

Since the Trump administration took over the Kennedy Center, the performance arts building has seen many artists cancel and the Washington National Opera leave. The center is also under investigation by Congress for mishandling of funds and has been forced to pay Veteran jazz musician Chuck Redd $252,000 in legal fees following a failed legal challenge against him.