The National Symphony Orchestra announces its 2026-27 and first season outside of the Kennedy Center. The season opens on Sept. 26 with an concert of orchestral works conducted by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda.

This article only features classical vocal works.

Bass-baritone Will Liverman joins the orchestra for the world premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s “Urge,” a NSO co-commission setting texts by poet Tracy K. Smith.

Performance Dates: Nov. 12 & 14, 2026 (Lisner Auditorium)

Richard Egarr conducts Handel’s “Messiah.”

Performance Dates: Dec. 16 – 20, 2026 (Lisner Auditorium, The Clarice, Rachel Schlesinger Hall)

Soprano Joélle Harvey solos in Mozart’s “Exsultate, jubilate” under the baton of Bernard Labadie.

Performance Dates: March 12 & 213, 2027 (Center for the Arts at GMU)

Soprano Patricia Westley solos in Mahler’s “Symphony” No. 4. Nicholas Carter conducts.

Performance Dates: June 10 & 11, 2027 (The Music Center at Strathmore)

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