Homeless in D.C.: The National Symphony Orchestra scrambles to survive
Ticket revenue is projected to fall by half as the ensemble performs in six temporary venues across the region.
By Adam Lin ·
The National Symphony Orchestra now lacks a permanent home in Washington, D.C. Since the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts closed its doors on Sept. 15, the 95-year-old ensemble has operated as a musical nomad. Musicians are performing in six different venues around the greater metropolitan area while waiting for clarity on their future.
The closure followed a period of falling ticket sales and a federal court battle regarding the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the center's exterior. Trump assumed control of the organization in early 2025 after removing board members and firing president Deborah Rutter. The decision left the orchestra, which has used the Kennedy Center since its 1971 opening, without its primary stage.
Music director Gianandrea Noseda described the news as a shock. He called the announcement a cold shower and questioned how the group would function without a fixed location. The uncertainty forced the administration to delay the season announcement until mid-August, just six weeks before the opening concert. That performance occurred only 11 days after the Kennedy Center locked its doors.
The season opener took place on Sept. 26 at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md. The program featured new works by Carlos Simon alongside pieces by Tchaikovsky and Respighi. Anne Midgette, a former classical music critic for The Washington Post, described the evening as bittersweet. She noted the irony of a major city orchestra performing outside its traditional hall.
Financial pressures have intensified. The Washington Post reported in August that ticket revenue is expected to drop by roughly 50 percent. Donations are projected to decline by a quarter. These reductions stem partly from cuts to the Kennedy Center's development department. The orchestra has also lost key staff, including executive director Jean Davidson, who resigned in March citing the turmoil at the center.
Associate principal double bassist Rick Barber joined the group in 1995. He admitted that the closure caused anxiety among the players. However, he remains focused on the music itself. Barber stated that he does not think about political divisions while performing. He views the situation as a test of the orchestra's identity and audience loyalty.
Noseda chose to stay with the ensemble rather than seek a new position. He extended his contract through 2031. He said leaving would have been too easy and possibly a cowardly act. His strategy involves reaching out to new audiences in various locations to maintain the orchestra's presence.
The ensemble will perform about half as many concerts this season compared to normal years. The group is attempting to attract new donors and fill seats in temporary venues. The Phoenix Symphony recently shut down, highlighting a national trend of financial strain in the classical music sector. Midgette noted that rising costs for gas and food make it harder for audiences to afford tickets.
The outcome of this season will serve as a gauge for the orchestra's long-term viability. Noseda believes the music can still bring people together despite the challenges. The players are currently adapting to a reduced schedule and a dispersed performance schedule across the region.
Source: KGOU
