KC Spotlight: WORLD PREMIERE opera opens Saturday! SPECIAL OFFER

PLUS Timbaland, Yuja Wang, Maz Jobrani, The Nutcracker, Wale, JFK: The Last Speech with Phylicia Rashad & MORE [View this email in your browser.]( [Kennedy Center]( [Kennedy Center]( SPECIAL OFFER: Orchestra seats at just $49!* SPECIAL OFFER: Orchestra seats at just $49!* X WORLD PREMIERE OPERA Grounded OPENS THIS WEEKEND Oct. 28–Nov. 13 | Opera House Jess is an expert F-16 fighter pilot—until pregnancy grounds her to the “chair force,” targeting enemies via drones from a trailer in Las Vegas. But protecting Jess from physical danger does little to shield her from the psychological trauma of war-by-proxy. Extraordinary mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo stars as a pilot and mother shaken into a downward spiral as the separation between career and home crumbles. In a first for opera stages, massive LED-screen technology will immerse audiences in the psychological and social implications of virtual warfare, suggesting that “distance” from war through technology is no distance at all. Adapted from George Brant’s “compelling and provocative” (San Francisco Chronicle) one-woman play, WNO presents the world premiere of Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s new work. [Get Tickets]( ▶️ WATCH [Emily D’Angelo sings “All for the Blue” from Grounded]( [What’s On]( T H I S  W E E K National Symphony Orchestra JFK: The Last Speechwith Phylicia Rashad Kevin John Edusei conducts Adams, Ellington & Hailstork JFK: The Last Speech with Phylicia Rashad Kevin John Edusei conducts Adams, Ellington & Hailstork SPECIAL OFFER: 25% OFF TICKETSOct. 26 & 28 | Concert Hall Emmy– and Tony Award–winning actress Phylicia Rashad narrates a new work commemorating the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s iconic 1963 speech. The program, led by Kevin John Edusei, also features Duke Ellington’s swinging trip to Jazz-age Harlem and Adams’ Harmonielehre. [GET 25% OFF TICKETS]( Hip Hop Culture Sound Architects: A Producer Conversation with Timbaland Oct. 29 | Terrace Theater With more top 10 hits than Elvis Presley or the Beatles, super-producer Timbaland has taught the world to “say it with sound.” Sound Architects: A Producer Conversation with Timbaland will be moderated by Grammy-nominated producer, DJ, college lecturer, music executive, social activist, and Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council Member 9th Wonder. [Limited availability! Get Tickets]( [National Symphony Orchestra]( Brahms’ Fourth Symphony & Tania León’s Pasajes Camille Thomas plays Elgar’s Cello Concerto Nov. 2–4 | Concert Hall Revel in the heart-wrenching drama of Brahms’ fourth and final symphony. Gustavo Gimeno leads the program, which also includes a new work by Tania León and Elgar’s emotional Cello Concerto, performed by Camille Thomas. NEW! [FREE Sound Health Fridays]( Before Friday’s concert, join us in the REACH for treats, workshops, and more! [Get Tickets]( The Kennedy Center Chamber Players: Fall Concert Nov. 5 | Terrace Theater The acclaimed Kennedy Center Chamber Player’s Fall Concert showcases music by Mozart, Schumann, and Boulanger—along with Nate Heyder’s Ahead of Time, a new work dedicated to Tamir Rice. Heyder’s powerful elegy is presented as part of The Cartography Project, the Kennedy Center’s commissioning program engaging Black artists from around the nation. [Get Tickets]( Yuja Wang plays Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 2 Tarmo Peltokoski conducts Sibelius’ First Symphony Nov. 9, 11 & 12 | Concert Hall Daredevil pianist Yuja Wang is at her finest performing Bartók’s Second Piano Concerto. From its thunderous opening to fiery finale, this formidable work is a brilliant showcase for Wang’s “edgy, kind of naughty personality” (New York Times). Young Finnish prodigy Tarmo Peltokoski conducts a masterpiece by his fellow countryman: Sibelius’ lush Symphony No. 1. [Get Tickets]( Celtic Woman Christmas SymphonyTour 2023 Nov. 24 & 25 | Concert Hall 3 PERFORMANCES! Celebrate this season with the celestial voices of multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman, complete with the majestic sound of the NSO! Featuring music from the all-female ensemble’s favorite Yuletide songs, this performance will enthrall audiences of all ages. Prepare for an enchanting and festive evening filled with mesmerizing music, performance, and holiday cheer. [Get Tickets]( [Comedy]( Maz Jobrani: Mr. International Comedy Tour Nov. 3 & 4 Comedian, actor, podcast host, and bestselling author Maz Jobrani brings his tour to D.C.! Recommended for mature audiences. GET TICKETS [Fri., Nov. 3 | Concert Hall]( GET TICKETS [Sat., Nov. 4 | Eisenhower Theater]( Joke in a Box: A Book Talk with Cartoonist Emily Flake Nov. 19 Justic Forum Join New Yorker cartoonist and author Emily Flake as she discusses her process, work, and inspiration with fellow New Yorker writer and humorist JiJi Lee. [Get Tickets]( [WNO]( Romeo and Juliet OPENS NEXT WEEKEND!Nov. 4–18 | Opera House So much is stacked against young Romeo and Juliet—and yet—love finds a way. Gounod’s opera is a grand and sweeping retelling of one of the most tragic stories of all time. Everything you want from the captivating saga is here, from soaring music to exquisite duets to heart-stopping duels. [Get Tickets]( [Dance]( Ballet West: The Nutcracker Nov. 22 & 24-26 | Opera House Be swept away in a flurry of holiday magic as Ballet West presents America’s first and longest-running Nutcracker! The Intermountain West’s preeminent company returns with one of the most visually striking productions of this seasonal family favorite. [Get Tickets]( [Fortas Chamber Music Concerts]( Maxim Vengerov & Polina Osetinskaya Nov. 14 | Concert Hall Maxim Vengerov is one of the most accomplished and internationally acclaimed violinists of today. Pianist Polina Osetinskaya joins him for an evening of works by Clara and Robert Schumann, Brahms, and Prokofiev. [Get Tickets]( Sir Bryn Terfel Co-presented with Renée Fleming VOICES Nov. 19 | Concert Hall Superstar bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel brings unique charm to an eclectic mix of styles alongside harpist Hannah Stone and pianist Annabel Thwaite. [Get Tickets]( [Hip Hop]( Celebrate Hip Hop History Month at the Kennedy Center!  Our stacked lineup this month includes performances from acclaimed rappers, conversations with founders of the genre, and special programming like listening sessions and curated films. Here are just a few highlights from our monthlong celebration: Hip Hop Listening Sessions: Iconic Groups Nov. 1 | River Pavilion [Get Tickets]( The Birth of a Culture:  A Conversation and Master Class with Grandmaster Flash Nov. 3 | Terrace Theater [Get Tickets]( Extraordinary Cinema: Style Wars Nov. 5 | Justice Forum [FREE! Learn more »]( Wale Nov. 10 | Concert Hall [Get Tickets]( Black Thought—The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are  Pre-Release Book Talk Event Nov. 12 | Terrace Theater [Get Tickets]( Clipse Nov. 17 | Concert Hall [Get Tickets]( ❗ Attention emerging Jazz artists ❗ Apply to study with JASON MORAN this spring! Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead 2024 Under the direction of Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz [Jason Moran]( and other esteemed artist-instructors, Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead is an international residency performance and composition project discovering and presenting the next generation of jazz greats, culminating in a live artist showcase at the Kennedy Center. Application Deadline: January 7, 2024 Program runs May 28–June 7, 2024 Open to jazz musicians 25 & under Application Deadline: January 7, 2024 Program runs May 28–June 7, 2024 Open to jazz musicians 25 & under [Learn More & Apply >]( [NEXT at the Kennedy Center]( A primetime series from the Kennedy Center & PBS [NEXT at the Kennedy Center]( is a new primetime series on PBS showcasing a diversity of art forms and cultural leaders across genres and generations. Captured to match the unique style of our many featured artists, each episode weaves together performances filmed live at the Center with intimate off-stage moments you won’t want to miss. [Watch PAST EPISODES ▶️]( [CENTER magazine]( CENTER magazine The second issue of CENTER magazine is here! Discover changing perceptions and interpretations of The Nutcracker that reflect the audiences of today, hear from Indigenous voices on the Center’s stages in honor of Native American Heritage Month, go behind the scenes of the creation of the Kennedy Center-commissioned AAPI musical The Dragon King’s Daughter, plus much more. [EXPLORE THE NEW ISSUE »]( [The Kennedy Center Gift Shop]( [The Kennedy Center Gift Shop]( First Look: Kennedy Center Exclusive Holiday Ornaments [Shop the collection »]( NEW! [Kennedy Center Nutcracker Sugarplum Fairy Ornament]( [Kennedy Center Building Ornament]( [Kennedy Center Nutcracker Mouse King Ornament]( NEW & BEST-SELLING KC Branded gifts [Shop the collection »]( [Kennedy Center Theater Nerd Tote Bag]( [Kennedy Center Theater Nerd Mug]( [Kennedy Center Theater Nerd T-Shirt]( [Shop all >]( *$7 Flat Rate Ground Shipping for orders $65+ See you soon! There’s something for everyone at the Kennedy Center! See [what’s on]( or explore [FREE]( events and more. For tickets and information, call us at 202-467-4600. Masks are optional but welcomed in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. We ask that you respect others’ choices and alert a staff member if you have any concerns. The Kennedy Center is open to the public Mon.–Sun., 10 a.m.–midnight. The Hall of States Box Office is open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sun. 12–9 p.m. *Offer subject to availability. Not valid in combination with any other offer. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Service fees may apply. Restrictions: Offer valid on select seats for the 10/28, 11/1, 11/3, 11/5, 11/11 and 11/13 performances of WNO: Grounded. [facebook]( [The Kennedy Center welcomes guests with disabilities.]( [View email in browser.]( | [Forward this email.]( You are receiving this email based on your preferences. [Edit preferences.]( | [Unsubscribe.]( Please do not reply to this email. Add info@kennedy-center.org to your address book or safe list to ensure delivery. We respect our patrons’ privacy. [Read our privacy policy.]( [Contact center & FAQs.]( The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566 Instant Charge (202) 467-4600