Whitman-Walker 37th Annual Walk To End HIV & Open House of New Max Robinson Center
Saturday, October 21, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Gateway DC Pavilion
2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20032
The Walk to End HIV is more than just a fundraiser at Whitman-Walker. The Walk symbolizes our continued efforts to find a cure for HIV and to stop the stigma surrounding HIV. This fight will take the entire community’s support and commitment.
This year’s walk attendees will also be able to take a tour of our brand-new Max Robinson Center. Named for acclaimed TV anchor Max Robinson, our new Max Robinson Center will be a healthcare home and state of the art research center where we will be able to serve an additional 10,000 patients per year. The New Max will bring much needed health and wellness services to the residents of DC and we’re so excited to share it with you. LINK
Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Universal Longings | Anhelos Universales
Eugene Rogers, conductor
In partnership with The Washington Chorus
Scott Piper, tenor
Juantomás Martínez Yépez, baritone
National Philharmonic and The Washington Chorus join forces for a concert of universal proportions conducted by TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, including the Washington-area premiere of composer James Lee III’s Breaths of Universal Longings. “He’s a composer who has what it takes,” says the Baltimore Sun, and his works have been commissioned, premiered, and performed by prominent symphonies throughout the country.
Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez’s Cantata Criolla retells the legend of Faust’s deal with the Devil, set to text from the mythic poem Florentino y El Diablo by Alberto Avelo Torrealbas. As Florentino battles for his soul in a singing contest against El Diablo, his story evolves through the rich textures of Estévez’s music. Spoiler alert: our hero prevails.
Program:
James Lee III, Breaths of Universal Longings
Antonio Estévez, Cantata Criolla
National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents its annual Messiah performances, conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski for the first time at Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The holiday program features four outstanding singers—soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams—and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, all of whom are returning to share the stage with the NatPhil Orchestra. Continuing a tradition established last year, a portion of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will be donated to the 2nd Century Project to aid in the restoration of the neighboring Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.
NatPhil’s Messiah takes place on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore and on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.
While Messiah has been a holiday tradition at NatPhil for many seasons, this year’s performances are being reimagined by Maestro Gajewski. The novel rendering envisioned by him will include simple staging in which the soloists move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell stories contained within the oratorio.
NatPhil’s Messiah performances will again feature educational and community engagement activities. The Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry return to perform pre-concert sets on December 16 and 17. These sets are free to enjoy and will begin one hour prior to the Messiah performances in Strathmore’s lobby area. Also in the lobby, patrons will find a learning table with resources from the Library of Congress to continue discussions and reflection around Handel’s link to the slave economy.
In the spirit of the season, NatPhil is committed to using the success of this program to give back. As such, the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland will receive a portion of the proceeds from the two performances at Strathmore. The historic church, which has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, was nearly destroyed by a flood in 2019 and victim of a burglary in 2022. Several partners in Montgomery County, including NatPhil, are supporting ongoing efforts to repair and safeguard the building.
Full Concert Details:
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall
Handel’s Messiah
Piotr Gajewski, conductor
with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society
Aundi Marie Moore, soprano
Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano
Norman Shankle, tenor
Jorell Williams, baritone
National Philharmonic presents a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering of Handel’s Messiah, reimagined by Maestro Piotr Gajewski to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.
This season, NatPhil reenvisions Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski, who takes over conducting duties for this annual NatPhil presentation. The four outstanding soloists will move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell the story of the Messiah.
NatPhil acknowledges the recent discovery of Handel’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is dedicated to continuing the conversation around the performance of his works. A portion of ticket sales revenue will be dedicated to benefiting African American charities in our community.
Program:
George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (with intermission)
Ticket Information
Tickets ($19–$109) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.
National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents its annual Messiah performances, conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski for the first time at Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The holiday program features four outstanding singers—soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams—and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, all of whom are returning to share the stage with the NatPhil Orchestra. Continuing a tradition established last year, a portion of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will be donated to the 2nd Century Project to aid in the restoration of the neighboring Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.
NatPhil’s Messiah takes place on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore and on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.
While Messiah has been a holiday tradition at NatPhil for many seasons, this year’s performances are being reimagined by Maestro Gajewski. The novel rendering envisioned by him will include simple staging in which the soloists move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell stories contained within the oratorio.
NatPhil’s Messiah performances will again feature educational and community engagement activities. The Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry return to perform pre-concert sets on December 16 and 17. These sets are free to enjoy and will begin one hour prior to the Messiah performances in Strathmore’s lobby area. Also in the lobby, patrons will find a learning table with resources from the Library of Congress to continue discussions and reflection around Handel’s link to the slave economy.
In the spirit of the season, NatPhil is committed to using the success of this program to give back. As such, the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland will receive a portion of the proceeds from the two performances at Strathmore. The historic church, which has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, was nearly destroyed by a flood in 2019 and victim of a burglary in 2022. Several partners in Montgomery County, including NatPhil, are supporting ongoing efforts to repair and safeguard the building.
Full Concert Details:
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall
Handel’s Messiah
Piotr Gajewski, conductor
with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society
Aundi Marie Moore, soprano
Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano
Norman Shankle, tenor
Jorell Williams, baritone
National Philharmonic presents a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering of Handel’s Messiah, reimagined by Maestro Piotr Gajewski to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.
This season, NatPhil reenvisions Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski, who takes over conducting duties for this annual NatPhil presentation. The four outstanding soloists will move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell the story of the Messiah.
NatPhil acknowledges the recent discovery of Handel’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is dedicated to continuing the conversation around the performance of his works. A portion of ticket sales revenue will be dedicated to benefiting African American charities in our community.
Program:
George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (with intermission)
Ticket Information
Tickets ($19–$109) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces Grammy Award®–winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter—who today announced the release of his first-ever holiday album, Christmas Wish—will play a special concert at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023, at 8 p.m.
The concert will feature Porter’s longtime pianist Chip Crawford on piano, Emmanuel Harrold on drums and percussion, Gregoire Maret on harmonica, Jahmal Nichols on bass, Ondre Pivec on Hammond organ, Tivon Pennicott on flute, soprano saxophone, and tenor saxphone.
Christmas Wish is a loving tribute to Porter’s favorite time of year—and to great songwriters, singers, and interpreters including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. In addition to this list of world class names, Porter himself has added to the Christmas songbook with three original tracks, soon to be favorites for the festive season, including the first single “Everything’s Not Lost” which is out now.
Backed by his long-time band and produced by repeat collaborator Troy Miller, the album features inspired interpretations of carols, standards, and soulful sixties deep-cuts including “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes,” Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas,” and Frank Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?,” which features a special guest appearance by Grammy®–winning vocalist Samara Joy.
The theme of sharing and caring at Christmas, and the sense of renewal and revival that comes when the year draws to a close, is all here in Porter’s most personal contribution – his trio of new, self-penned songs, “Christmas Wish,” “Heart For Christmas,” and “Everything’s Not Lost,” an elegant piano ballad that is Porter’s persuasive plea to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. “I’m always thinking of balance” he explains. “That has been instilled in me and it keeps coming up in a lot of my music. At your highest, at your greatest, at your most pleasant time, don’t forget about other people who are suffering.”
The album, which also includes orchestral contributions from the Kingdom Orchestra, was recorded between Sear Sound Studio in New York City and London’s Crossways Studio and Abbey Road Studios.
Rumble will host a “Love Yourself Open House“ on Sunday, February 11 offering free classes, giveaways, samples from wellness lifestyle partners and a chance to meet the owners. Box and Flow, a new specialty class combining the classic 45 minute Rumble class with 30 minutes of yoga will be offered at 1pm. First-timers will enjoy their first class on Rumble and can continue their fitness journey with a 24% discount on their first month membership and special offers on class packs.
Established in 2017, Rumble delivers 45-minute, 10-round, full-body strength and conditioning workouts centered around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Originating in the heart of Chelsea, New York City, Rumble has expanded to numerous cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
Find more information about Rumble Boxing DC here , Rumble Boxing Ashburn here, Rumble Boxing Falls Church here, Rumble Boxing Courthouse here and Rumble Boxing Philadelphia here.
The 8th Annual National Cannabis Festival returns to The Festival Grounds at RFK Campus on April 19 & 20 headlined by Wu-Tang Clan with Redman and Thundercat.
In addition to the concert, NCF ticket holders can explore sweet and savory eats, check out the epic Exhibitor Fair featuring more than 100 brands, enjoy demos, comedy, panel discussions, eating contests, and more in the Education Pavilions, visit sponsor activations and grab swag site-wide, all while checking out the talent rocking out the main stage on both days.
The 8th Annual National Cannabis Festival returns to The Festival Grounds at RFK Campus on April 19 & 20 headlined by Wu-Tang Clan with Redman and Thundercat.
In addition to the concert, NCF ticket holders can explore sweet and savory eats, check out the epic Exhibitor Fair featuring more than 100 brands, enjoy demos, comedy, panel discussions, eating contests, and more in the Education Pavilions, visit sponsor activations and grab swag site-wide, all while checking out the talent rocking out the main stage on both days.
Joseph de Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges — Sonata for Two Violins No. 1 in B flat Major
Felix Mendelssohn — Violin Concerto in E Minor Op.64
Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” Op.73
The Artists
Violinist Leonid Sushansky, celebrated for his “gorgeous tone” and “passionate intensity” by The Washington Post and The New York Times, made his Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2005 and has performed globally with orchestras, and as a recitalist, and chamber musician. He has garnered acclaim for performances with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Chamber Orchestra.
Carlos César Rodríguez, hailed for his brilliance and versatility, is renowned as a virtuoso pianist excelling in Hispanic and Spanish repertoire as well as Mozart and romantic works. Rodríguez continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his exceptional performances and leadership in music education.
Najin Kim, Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Washington National Opera Orchestra/ Kennedy Center Opera House, previously served as Associate Concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Kim’s distinguished career includes performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center.
Hanbing Jia, Assistant Concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and section first violinist in both the National Philharmonic and the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, has performed extensively across the US, Europe, and China. Jia holds a Master of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.
Uri Wassertzug, a versatile violist, has performed globally with chamber music ensembles and as a guest artist, notably in New Zealand and Alaska. A member of the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, he frequently serves as Guest Principal Violist with the National Philharmonic.
Steven Honigberg is a member of the National Symphony Orchestra. He has showcased his talent in recitals in Washington DC, New York, and across the US. He has appeared as a soloist with esteemed orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.
