Strathmore is hosting 13 National Symphony Orchestra classical concerts this season after the Kennedy Center shut its doors Sept. 15 for two years of renovations.
The North Bethesda venue is one of six locations across the Washington region where the NSO will perform during the closure, The Wash first reported. The orchestra opened its 96th season at Strathmore on Sept. 26. In all, the NSO has 64 classical concerts scheduled for the 2026-27 season.
The influx of national acts has changed the feel inside the building.
Jude Franklin, a Strathmore volunteer for 15 years, said the groups moving in have drawn a different crowd. "There's definitely been a different crowd coming to the Strathmore since the center closed down," Franklin said.
But local musicians say the venue's commitment to homegrown talent hasn't wavered. Ellen Gira, a classical cellist and 2026 alumna of Strathmore's Artist in Residence program, said the Kennedy Center closure only strengthens Strathmore's mission.
"It's definitely an expanded role for them right now, but I think at the same time, it's very consistent with what Strathmore has always been," Gira said.
Gira, who combines classical training with Scottish, Irish and Old-Time traditions, said she first heard the Celtic cello at Strathmore, an experience that launched her career. She is set to perform at the venue in June 2027.
The Artist in Residence (AIR) program has supported 118 emerging musicians through mentorship, professional development and performance opportunities since its launch in 2005. Each artist presents two concerts and a free workshop at the Mansion.
Strathmore also runs the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, a 12- to 18-month program that provides career strategy, material resources and individualized mentorship to AIR alumni. Steelpan virtuoso Josanne Francis, an AIR alumna from the class of 2018, and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian are the fellowship's inaugural participants, according to a Strathmore newsletter.
Francis called the support "unbelievable." "It's developing the artist as a performer, as a business owner, as well as a teaching artist," she said. "It teaches artists things they would have had to otherwise learn the hard way."
Rochelle Rice, a singer-songwriter and 2015 AIR alumna, directs the fellowship. Veteran producer Jayme Stone serves as artistic strategy consultant.
The Wash reported that Strathmore said it continues to support and spotlight local artists but did not return calls for further comment.
The Kennedy Center previously showcased more than 2,200 performances and exhibits annually, according to its website. About 85% of its audience comes from the Washington metropolitan area, according to historical research by ArtsJournal cited by The Wash.
