2026-2027 - 20th Season
Concert Schedule Details
NCE's 2026-2027 Season Program "A Season of Masters from Baroque to Soul", will feature chamber works that embody the National Chamber Ensemble’s mission to present masterworks and discoveries with artistry, accessibility, and joy, while celebrating diversity, community partnerships, and the transformative power of live music. Download Brochure
2026-2027 SEASON SCHEDULE
Concert 1: Romantic Masterworks: Mendelssohn, Schubert and Brahms
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
National Chamber Ensemble's 20th Anniversary Season opens with an evening of Romantic masterworks by Schubert, Mendelssohn and Brahms. Acclaimed soprano Karin Paludan joins National Chamber Ensemble musicians for a program celebrating the beauty, passion, and elegance of the Romantic era.
Featuring chamber music and vocal selections by three of classical music's most beloved composers. The concert features "Shepherd on a Rock", Schubert's spellbinding opera-like song, Mendelssohn's glorious Piano Trio in D minor and Brahms dramatic Piano Quartet in G minor. Join us for an inspiring evening of exceptional artistry as we begin our milestone 20th season.
NCE artists performing: Carlos Cesar Rodriguez (piano), Leo Sushansky (artistic/director,violin), Uri Wassertzug (viola), Steven Honigberg (cello), Karin Paludan (soprano).
Location: Gunston Arts Center - Theater 1
Concert 2: Holiday Cheer!
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 7:30 PM
Our most beloved annual tradition returns with a joyful celebration for the whole family. This concert brings together rising young stars—winners of the 2026 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Competition and talented student performers from the community—alongside the acclaimed Voce Chamber Singers, conducted by David Mann. Festive classics, favorite choruses from Handel's "Messiah", Seasonal favorites, and a Carols Sing Along make this a heartwarming event that shines with the spirit of togetherness and musical excellence. A favorite of audiences young and old, Holiday Cheer offers the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Kids 10 and under free.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Concert 3: Valentine’s Tribute to Roberta Flack
Saturday, February 13, 2027, 7:30 PM
Celebrate Valentine's weekend with a tribute to the legacy of the legendary Roberta Flack. Renowned vocalist Alison Crockett joins NCE for an evening featuring beloved classics including Killing Me Softly, Feel Like Makin' Love, and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Flack's music continues to inspire audiences with its warmth, elegance, and emotional power. Join us as we honor this legendary artist and Arlington native in a memorable Valentine's celebration of one of America's most treasured musical voices.
Don't miss this tribute to a legend and Arlington native. Join us for a memorable Valentine's celebration honoring one of America's most treasured musical voices.
Location: Gunston Arts Center - Theater 1
Concert 4: Energy of Spring: Beethoven, Saint-Saëns, and more
Saturday, April 10, 2027, 7:30 PM
Celebrate the energy and renewal of spring with music by Beethoven, Saint-Saëns, Leclair and a premiere by Grammy and Emmy winning composer Michael Patterson. Violinist Leo Sushansky and pianist Thomas Pandolfi reunite for an evening filled with brilliance, lyricism, and dramatic expression.
This program captures the spirit of a season bursting with life and possibility opening with Beethoven's favorite "Spring" Sonata. This uplifting concert offers an inspiring evening of exceptional music and joyful celebration.
Location: Marymount University - Ballston Center
Concert 5: Vivaldi's Extraordinary Four Seasons
Saturday, June 12, 2027, 7:30 PM
A Nancy Peery Marriott Discovery Concert
For the Season Finale, a stunning reimagining of Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, The Four Seasons. Legendary actress, singer, and philanthropist Lynda Carter, celebrated for her iconic role as Wonder Woman, returns as guest host and narrator, bringing Vivaldi’s poetic sonnets vividly to life.
Led by violinist and Artistic Director Leo Sushansky, NCE and Lynda Carter will uncover the fascinating story behind one of the world’s most beloved compositions. Humorous demonstrations, breathtaking multimedia visuals, poetic storytelling, and brilliant live music come together to create a captivating multi-sensory experience that will allow you to experience The Four Seasons in an entirely new way.
The evening will open with outstanding young musicians from NCE’s Playing With the Pros program, joining the National Chamber Ensemble onstage to perform a Vivaldi Concerto for Strings.
Experience Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons—where words, images, and music come together in an unforgettable celebration of one of classical music’s greatest masterpieces.
Location: Gunston Arts Center - Theater 1


