National Philharmonic
The National Philharmonic’s concert season is underway, but it almost didn’t happen. After announcing in July that it would cease operations due to financial trouble, the philharmonic came up with a plan to go on, not only with the season, but for years to come. The orchestra raised more than $500,000 from numerous donors, allowing it to both avert bankruptcy and look ahead. It’s also under new leadership. Jim Kelly, who plays violin with the orchestra and co-owns Potter Violins in Takoma Park, is serving as interim president, and former board member Harris Miller stepped in as board chair. They’re expected to remain in those positions for at least one year while they look for ways to secure additional funding. The orchestra—which was founded in 2003 and has 32 core members, but typically plays with about 70 musicians for most concerts—will remain in residence at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. Upcoming concerts include works by Mozart, Chopin and Beethoven, as well as a program devoted to African American composers.
