Richard Grenell, president of the performing arts center, said the funding record reflects how ‘deeply the arts matter to our nation.’
WASHINGTON—Patrons and donors pulled out their wallets in record fashion to support the National Symphony Orchestra, raising $3.45 million at an annual fundraising gala last weekend at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, according to a Sept. 29 statement from the center.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the gala and opening concert such a success,” Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, said in the statement.
“It is a true testament to the power of music to bring people together. The joy in the hall, the generosity of our supporters, and the brilliance of the performers set a powerful tone for the season ahead.”
The organization’s leadership expressed gratitude for the donors’ support.
“Seeing the full hall with our dedicated audience and donors gave the artists of the National Symphony Orchestra and me confidence in our future,” said Gianandrea Noseda, the orchestra’s conductor and long-time music director.
“We are thankful to both our audience and donors for the historic level of support and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center this season.”
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell recognized President Donald Trump’s efforts to revitalize the performing arts facility.
“President Trump’s vision to make the Kennedy Center available to more people is clearly working. Half the attendees were first-time guests, and their enthusiasm shattered fundraising expectations, nearly triple what had ever been done before,” he said in a statement.
“The energy in the room was inspiring; it reflects the incredible future of the NSO and how deeply the arts matter to our nation.”
He later celebrated the news and positive public reaction that the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will return to the performing arts center in 2026 for the first time in almost 14 years.
“It’s clear the public is craving common sense and traditional programming—[Trump] was right,” Grenell posted on X.
Trump, serving as chair of the Kennedy Center Board, has prioritized the scheduling of high-quality, family-friendly entertainment.
