The Consort ended last season (its 50th) with “Child’s Play,” inspired by the work of artists on exhibition in the Hirshhorn Museum’s own 50th anniversary exhibition that looked to recapture a child-like view of the world through art and music. This summer, in our second program for kids offered in partnership with the Museum, we’re helping 4th – 6th grade kids find their own creativity and self-expression through art-making and composing music. MYC runs through July 2nd – culminating in a concert performed by 21st Century Consort artists of pieces composed by the Mighty Young Composer participants!
In October 1975, the then-20th Century Consort performed its inaugural concert at in the Lincoln Gallery of what is now the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Now, 50 years on, this coming October 18th, 2025, we’re launching our golden anniversary season with a further exploration of themes from both “Child’s Play” and “Mighty Young Composers,” in a program that puts a half century into an expansive perspective. We’ll begin with contemporary glosses on music from the 13th and 14th centuries, along with one of the last century’s seminal works – George Crumb’s “Ancient Voices of Children” – and a world premiere by composer Juri Seo celebrating the Consort’s anniversary.
In moves that recall periods in the Consort’s history in residence at the Hirshhorn – back when seasons were virtually sold out at market ticket prices on subscription and recognizing capacity audiences this past season – we’re planning some experiments in the season ahead, including Sunday matinee repeats of Saturday concerts on December 6th and 7th and again later in the season. Stay tuned for further updates as these exciting plans unfold. For now, here are the season’s programs (as always, and especially when presenting brand-new music, programs subject to change!) at which we hope to see you!
-
Who’s Counting?
at 5pm on Saturday October 182025
with pre-performance discussion at 4pmHirshhorn Museum’s Ring Auditorium
- Sofia Gubaidulina
- Aus dem Visionen de Hildegard von Bingen
- George Crumb
- Ancient Voices of Children
- Guillaume de Machaut
- Rosa, lis
- Francois Andrieu
- Armes amour
- Magister Grimace
- A l’arme, a l’arme
- Juri Seo
- (world premiere)
-
In the Spirit
at 5pm on Saturday December 62025
with pre-performance discussion at 4pmHirshhorn Museum’s Ring Auditorium
- Charles Wuorinen
- Fifty – Fifty
- Juri Seo
- Winter-Spring, Fall-Winter from Infinite Season
- Eleanor Alberga
- Two Piano Suite
- George Crumb
- Little Suite for Christmas
- Arvo Pärt
- Da Pacem Domine
- John Adams
- Hallelujah Junction
-
Pigments of Your Imagination
at 5pm on Saturday February 212026
with pre-performance discussion at 4pmHirshhorn Museum’s Ring Auditorium
- Elliott Carter
- Figment I
- Katherine Balch
- Speckled the Green and Blue
- Elliott Carter
- Figment III
- Art Gottschalk
- Loser
- Elliott Carter
- Figment IV
- Eric Moe
- Grand Prismatic
- Elliott Carter
- Figment VI
- Thomas Albert
- Devil’s Handyman
-
Wilderness Dreams
at 5pm on Saturday April 182026
with pre-performance discussion at 4pmHirshhorn Museum’s Ring Auditorium
- Christopher Theofinidis
- All dreams begin with the horizon
- Nina Shekhar
- Zoo Songs
- Juri Seo
- July Mountain
- Jon Deak
- Greta the Fearless Part II (world premiere)