NSO Announces European Tour in Early 2013

The National Symphony Orchestra recently announced that they will embark on a four country European tour beginning January 31, 2013. The orchestra, under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach, will perform in Madrid and Murcia, Spain; Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Nürnberg, and Frankfurt, Germany; Paris, France; and Muscat, Oman. The tour date in Oman was added after the tour’s initial announcement and the National Symphony Orchestra will be the first major American orchestra to perform at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

The NSO is currently wrapping up its second international tour in eight months. It is currently wrapping up the Americas tour, which included stops in Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Over the years, the NSO has celebrated many touring milestones. The first international tour was in 1959 and made stops in 19 countries over the course of 12 weeks.

“From the earliest days of my appointment as National Symphony Orchestra Music Director, I have said that I wanted to bring this great orchestra to the attention of the world,” Eschenbach said. “To be making our second international tour so quickly after our first, is tribute to the wonderful musicians of the NSO, and to our work together.”

Connie Milstein, a Washington, D.C. resident and huge supporter of the arts, serves on the National Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Advisors.

NSO Board Member Connie Milstein

Connie Milstein serves on the Board of Advisors of the National Symphony Orchestra.

The NSO was created in 1931 and performs today at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

Due to its proximity to affairs of national interest the NSO frequently participates in events which have both national as well as international importance. These performances can include performing for ceremonial state affairs, presidential inaugurations and other official holiday celebrations.

There are exactly 100 musicians in the NSO, and during their 52-week season they perform in about 175 concerts per year. In addition to their concerts which vary from classical subscription series to pop concerts, they are also engaged in extensive educational programming. Reaching out to young people from pre-school to high school, small groups of NSO members develop educational programs which collectively present up to 100 additional performances a year.

It is an honor and a privilege for Connie Milstein to be on the Board of Advisors of such an important, active and exciting endeavor as the National Symphony Orchestra.