The National Symphony Orchestra has begun opening every performance with “The Star-Spangled Banner”—a shift that reflects the growing influence of President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center, where he now serves as chairman.
National Anthem Becomes New Norm at Kennedy Center
Under a directive from Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center’s newly appointed president and former U.S. ambassador to Germany, the National Symphony Orchestra will now play the national anthem before each concert. The move follows Trump’s assumption of the chairman role and his subsequent overhaul of the center’s leadership, which included removing 18 board members appointed by former President Joe Biden.
“The National Symphony should be playing the national anthem,” Grenell told Fox News Digital, affirming the decision as both patriotic and appropriate for the nation’s premier performing arts venue.
Why the Change Now?
According to Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony, the idea gained traction after the emotional response to the anthem’s performance at the orchestra’s season opener on September 27, 2025. “People were really moved,” Davidson said. “We are the orchestra in the nation’s capital. And we are about to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation.”
The decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader emphasis on what the president calls “patriotic history” as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
National Anthem Traditions Across U.S. Orchestras
While the Kennedy Center’s move is high-profile, it’s not unprecedented. Several American orchestras already incorporate the anthem into their performances:
- Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Plays the anthem at every concert at the request of board chair Mercedes T. Bass, who believes it “creates a festive atmosphere.”
- Oklahoma City Philharmonic: Requires its music director to uphold the anthem tradition—a non-negotiable during hiring.
- Los Angeles Philharmonic: Performs the anthem exclusively at its summer venue, the Hollywood Bowl, continuing a century-old custom started by founder Artie Mason Carter to unify diverse communities.
Creative Takes on a Classic
The National Symphony isn’t just playing the anthem—it’s reimagining it. Davidson revealed plans to experiment with different arrangements, including a brass-only version and even Igor Stravinsky’s 1941 composition, once deemed so “dissonant” it nearly got the composer fined in Boston.
“We were thinking we might have some fun with it,” she said, noting that Stravinsky’s version is now appreciated as a bold artistic statement rather than a breach of decorum.
Can Music Unite a Divided Nation?
In today’s politically charged climate, Davidson believes the national anthem remains a unifying force. “The national anthem is noncontroversial, no matter your political background,” she asserted. “I think everyone finds it to be deeply moving.”
Whether this new policy will resonate with all concertgoers—or deepen cultural divides—remains to be seen. But for now, every Kennedy Center performance will begin with a shared moment of patriotism.
