As the U.S. capital city's orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra comes under the national spotlight in some unique ways. The NSO has been experiencing a particularly noticeable renaissance under current music director Leonard Slatkin, a driving force in the commitment to American composers such as John Corigliano (the NSO's recording of his First Symphony with Slatkin won a Grammy for best classical album). Here's a selected list of concerts from the first half of the season. Check out our recommended recordings of works being played. For more information on the NSO and how to order tickets, call (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324 or visit their Web site at www.kennedy-center.org/stage/nso.

Skrowaczewski, Music at Night; Sibelius, Violin Concerto; Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 ("Eroica")

November 18-20, 1999

Takao Kanayama, conductor;

Vadim Repin, violin

Lalo, Symphonie espagnole; Takemitsu, “Music of Training and Rest” from José Torres; Rachmaninov, Symphony No. 2

December 2-4, 1999

Paavo Berglund, conductor;

Daniel Matsukawa, bassoon

Tippett, Concerto for Double String Orchestra; Weber, Bassoon Concerto Brahms, Symphony No. 4

January 6-8, 2000

Leonard Slatkin, conductor

Mahler, Symphony No. 7

January 20-22, 1999

Leonard Slatkin, conductor;

Yura Lee, violin

Liadov, Eight Russian Folk Songs; Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto; Shostakovich, Symphony No. 15