Unforgettable Artists, Once-In-A-Lifetime Performances
As springtime blooms, Washington Performing Arts brings you live music to share with friends and loved ones on our city’s great stages. Whether you are in the mood for jazz, chamber ensembles, culture-crossing instrumentalists, oratorio, symphonic sound, piano and violin virtuosos, or ambient electronic music, there are dozens of Washington Performing Arts events to enjoy this spring.
A Springtime Sampler:
Taiwan Philharmonic
April 19, 8 p.m. | Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Led by noted German conductor Jun Märkl, the Taiwan Philharmonic make their East Coast debut with repertoire evoking prosperous voyages, rolling hills, sea caves, and life-giving waters. The ensemble serves as an official ambassador of Taiwanese culture and regularly commissions and performs new work by Taiwanese composers. Experience the world premiere of “Ebbs and Flows” by Taiwan’s Ke-Chia Chen, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Debussy's La Mer, and Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy—joined by acclaimed violin virtuoso Paul Huang. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime performance from one of Asia’s finest symphonic ensembles.
Student Songwriter Competition
Deadline: April 30, 2023, 11:59 p.m. ET
Calling all D.C. singer songwriters in grades 9-12! You’re invited to write and perform an original inspirational song focusing on social justice and the evolution of the social and cultural landscape in our city, region, country, or world. Participants must submit original music and lyrics — any genre welcome — and a performance video to be considered. Submissions are due April 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Up to three (3) winners will receive monetary awards. The first prizewinner will have the opportunity to perform an opening-act at Songbyrd Music House as part of the Mars Arts D.C. Concert Series.
Mars Arts D.C.
Songbyrd Concert Series
Our Mars Arts D.C. artists are bustling around town this month at the Cherry Blossom Festival, on stage for the Washington Area Music Awards (The Wammie Awards), and performing in the Songbyrd Music House performance series. Up next at Songbyrd, join us May 3 for an ambient journey through space, time, and culture with DJ Adrian Loving and The Inner Temples at Songbyrd Music House (540 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002). This immersive live DJ set includes fused synthesizers, drum machines, live instruments, and stage design. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Free registration required.
Upcoming Live Events
Taiwan Philharmonic
Jun Märkl, music director
Paul Huang, violin
Apr. 19, 8:00 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer
with Rakesh Chaurasia, bansuri
Apr. 23, 7:00 p.m.
Strathmore
ANGEL ISLAND - An Oratorio for Voices & String Quartet
Huang Ruo, Del Sol Quartet, The U.S. Air Force Band's Singing Sergeants
May 2, 7:00 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Susanna Mälkki, music director
Claire Chase, solo flute
May 8, 8:00 p.m.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall