Friday (9/11) Washington Classical ReviewCharles T. Downey writes, “Musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra ratified a new four-year contract Friday that maintains the current roster and solidifies the NSO’s future after the impending closure of the Kennedy Center. The collective bargaining agreement between the D.C. Federation of Musicians, Local 161-710, the American Federation of Musicians, and the National Symphony Orchestra Association calls for a 9 percent wage increase for all musicians in the first three years.” The fourth year is subject to future negotiations, but with the closure of the Kennedy Center, the musicians will also receive compensation for local travel, as the NSO will perform at other venues in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in 2026-2027 and possibly in future seasons, said Jennifer Mondy, NSO violist and chair of the Musician Bargaining Committee since 1995. “NSO musicians are excited to share their years of performances.” Supporters, but with new audiences in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. ” The new arrangement will keep the NSO in existence through the end of the Kennedy Center’s two-year closure plan and the end of the Trump administration, which began controversially shutting down performing arts venues. ”