21st Century Consort: Time Stands Still
The 21st Century Consort presents *Time Stands Still* in the historic Arts and Industries Building, joined by the Folger Consort and Gamelan Raga Kusuma. Created as part of the Smithsonian’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the program explores American creativity and cultural exchange through music shaped by traditions from medieval European chant to Balinese gamelan.
The concert reflects on the history and continuing reinvention of the Arts and Industries Building, while looking toward the future of American artistic expression. It features Korean American composer Juri Seo’s reimagining of *America the Beautiful* and concludes with Steve Reich’s *Music for 18 Musicians*, a landmark work influenced by a range of musical traditions.
When: December 5, 2026
Showtimes: A pre-performance discussion begins at 4:00 pm. The concert runs from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Tickets: Price not available
Registration: Registration details are forthcoming.
Program: John Dowland’s *Time Stands Still*; Pérotin’s *Viderunt Omnes*; Juri Seo’s *America the Beautiful*; and Steve Reich’s *Music for 18 Musicians*.
Performers: The 21st Century Consort, with the Folger Consort and Gamelan Raga Kusama. The Consort performs under the direction of its founder and conductor, Christopher Kendall.
Discussion: Christopher Kendall leads a discussion of the concert’s themes and music at 4:00 pm, before the performance.
Run time: The listed performance schedule is two hours, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The pre-performance discussion is scheduled separately at 4:00 pm.
Venue: Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, 20004.
Background: Founded in 1975, the 21st Century Consort became the Smithsonian Institution’s resident contemporary music ensemble in 1978. Its artists include principal players from the National Symphony Orchestra and other chamber musicians from Washington, DC, and beyond. The ensemble received the Smithson Medal in 1990 for its longstanding association with the Smithsonian.
Ages: Not specified.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is provided.
Note: Program details are subject to change.