National Symphony Orchestra Musicians Ratify Four-Year Contract Amid Kennedy Center Renovation Plans

Key facts

• The National Symphony Orchestra musicians and management ratified a four-year contract.
• The contract includes a 9% wage increase over the first three years, with the fourth year open to negotiation.
• The agreement runs through September 2, 2030, and secures the orchestra through the Kennedy Center's planned two-year renovation.
• The contract compensates musicians for increased local travel as the orchestra splits its 2026/27 season across multiple venues.
• The contract coincides with Music Director Gianandrea Noseda's tenure, extended to 2031, the orchestra's centennial season.
• The NSO's 2026/27 season opens on September 26, 2026, with works by Tchaikovsky, Carlos Simon, and Respighi.
• The Kennedy Center board voted for the third time to close the building for renovations, previously blocked by Judge Christopher R. Cooper.
• Kennedy Center leadership announced a seven-day closure due to safety concerns, including September 4 storm damage to the ceiling.