We would like to invite your attention to a special evening concert in honor of Pope Francis on September 23, 2015 at the Kennedy Concert Hall. 

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 
 in cooperation with the 
Archdiocese of Washington
 
Announces
A Concert to Celebrate Pope Francis
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 8 p.m.

The National Symphony Orchestra will perform with Denyce Graves and Jose Andre Montano
Featuring members of the National Youth Orchestra of Uruguay 
Eva Longoria 
and the DC Youth Slam Team member Hannah Smallwood
Additional support is made possible by Georgetown University. 
Denyce Graves
Denyce Graves 
Mezzo-Soprano
Jose Andre Montano
Jose Andre Montano
Ten-year old Latin Jazz Pianist
(Washington) - In recognition of the first visit to Washington by Pope Francis, the Kennedy Center and the Archdiocese of Washington will present a concert in the Pope's honor, featuring Metropolitan Opera luminary Denyce Graves and ten-year-old jazz prodigy Jose Andre Montano. The concert is free and open to the public, and will take place September 23, 2015, in the Kennedy Concert Hall. The program celebrates the themes of youth, tolerance, understanding, and love of the environment that have been so eloquently articulated by Pope Francis on multiple occasions worldwide. Also appearing will be acclaimed actress Eva Longoria, nationally recognized as an ardent advocate for those with special needs.   Although Pope Francis  will not attend, the concert is part of the official events of His Holiness's visit to Washington. 
His Eminence Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Archbishop of Washington
"As we joyfully welcome our Holy Father, Pope Francis to Washington, what a joy it is to be able to announce that we have a way to honor his visit through the arts. The concert will be an occasion for more people in the nation's capital to share in the joy of his visit"   - Cardinal Donald Wuerl
 Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter stated, "The nation's center for the performing arts is honored to be part of the official events of Pope Francis's visit to Washington. His visionary message advocating tolerance and understanding for others communicates an ideal shared by all of us at the Kennedy Center. It is our hope that the richly expressive language of music will convey this mutual ideal to all who hear it."

A message from Pope Francis, who will not be in attendance, will be read by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington. The entire performance will also be broadcast on the screen at the North Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer in case of overflow from the Concert Hall. (Program and artists are subject to change.)

Additional Featured Artists
Ensemble of bandoneon and six string players from the National Youth Orchestra of Uruguay.
Eva Longaria
Actress
Nationally recognized as an ardent advocate for those with special needs. 
Ariana Wehr
Ariana Wehr
Soprano 
Washington National Opera Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist 

Program 
  • MOZART  "Exsultate, jubilate" and "Alleluia" from Exsultate jubilate
  • HOLST  "Venus, Bringer of Peace" from The Planets
  • FRANK   Panis angelicus
  • PIAZZOLA   Libertango
  • BRITTEN   "What the Wild Flowers Tell Me," adapted by Britten from the second movement of Mahler's Symphony No.3
Tickets and Information 
Tickets will be distributed up to two (2) per person in line on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at the entrance to the Hall of Nations, beginning at 6 p.m. Free tickets are reserved. Limited seating availability.  For tickets and information, call (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.