NSO at Mount Vernon

Nelly's Harpsichord and other Instruments at Mount Vernon

January 31, 2023

Presentation:

Beginning in 1759, George Washington purchased fine musical instruments for his wife and "adopted" children and grand-children, including a spinet, violin, flute, English guitar and an exquisite grand harpsichord.  Such instruments were typical in elite households of the period, and how they were used stood in great contrast to music-making by lower-class Americans and the enslaved. 

Dr. David Hildebrand, former director of The Colonial Music Institute, offers a brief sonic and visual tour of the estate highlighting the various musical instruments played and heard here.

NSO Performance:

Mykola Lysenko: String Quartet in D minor
Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No.4 in D major op.83
Myroslav Skoryk: Melody in A minor

Natasha Bogachek, violin
Zino Bogachek, violin
Rebecca Epperson, viola
Loewi Lin, cello

Gen. Washington and Military Music

February 28, 2023

Presentation:

Although not himself a musician, Washington loved music and appreciated its value in public ceremony, accompanying dancing (at which he excelled!), enlivening theater, aiding in worship, and, perhaps most importantly, providing important functions for soldiers and officers alike. 

Dr. David Hildebrand, longtime director of The Colonial Music Institute, discusses the role of fifes & drums on and off the battlefield, as well as the music played by the "band of music," or harmoniemusik - an ensemble hired by officers for more refined performances.

NSO Performance:

A colorful program of music for multiple horns.

NSO Horns:
Abel Pereira,
James Nickel,
Markus Osterlund,
Robert Rearden,
Scott Fearing,
Geoffrey Pilkington

Carl Maria von Weber arr. Takeshi Takahashi: Der Freischütz - Overture
Gustav Holst arr. Takeshi Takahashi: First Suite for Military Band - selections
Johann Sebastian Bach arr. Abel Pereira: Fugue BWV 578
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arr. Heinrich Dutschke: The Magic Flute - Overture
Gustav Mahler arr. Takeshi Takahashi: Symphony No. 5 - Adagietto
Jean Sibelius arr. Takeshi Takahashi: Finlandia
Louis-François Dauprat: Six Sextets op. 10 - selections

Mount Vernon: Music in the Domestic Setting

March 28, 2023

Presentation:

Especially for the elite, musical roles varied widely by gender; sounds raised by Martha, Patsey, and later Nelly Custis no doubt brought life to the sprawling corners of Mount Vernon.  But what of young Jackie? What sorts of musical selections were performed?  How well trained were these amateur family members? 

Dr. David Hildebrand, former director of The Colonial Music Institute, for a brief audio-visual presentation contrasting the male and female musicians here at the first president's home.

NSO Performance:

Franz Schubert: Octet in F major D 803

Peter Cain, clarinet
Sue Heineman, bassoon
James Nickel, horn
Jennifer Kim, violin
Sara Matayoshi, violin
Andrew Eng, viola
Eugena Chang, cello
Charles Nilles, bass

In accordance with the NSO’s COVID-19 protocols, audience members are required to:

• wear a face mask at all times
• provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result.

Proof of Vaccination

Audience members may display proof of vaccine on a smartphone or by showing a physical copy of the vaccination card or official vaccination record.

“Fully vaccinated” means that 14 days have passed since either the second shot of a CDC or WHO-approved two-shot vaccine or since the administration of a CDC or WHO-approved one-shot vaccine.

Negative COVID Test Result

Unvaccinated guests must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours prior to the performance, or proof of a professionally administered Antigen test conducted no more than 6 hours prior to the performance.

Questions? Contact us at (703) 780-2000.