Mighty Young Composers! Concerts

The Mighty Young Composers! Concerts present world premieres of original compositions by rising third through sixth graders, performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra and the 21st Century Consort at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. After a two-week workshop where students explore how visual art can inspire music, they craft their own pieces under guidance from professional teaching artists. The final public concert takes place over two afternoons, July 2 and July 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Ring Auditorium. Admission is free.

When: Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, 2026, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM each day.

Showtimes: The concert runs approximately one hour each day; arrive early for seating.

Tickets: Free admission; no ticket required. Visitors are encouraged to check the Hirshhorn website for current access guidelines.

Performers: Members of the National Symphony Orchestra and the 21st Century Consort perform the pieces.

Lineup: World premieres by the Mighty Young Composers! 2026 cohort of rising 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.

Run time: 60 minutes.

Ages: The concert is open to all ages; the composers are rising third through sixth graders (typically 8–12 years old).

Venue: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Ring Auditorium, Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560.

Note: The program is inspired by the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers program, launched by composer and bassist Jon Deak. Teaching artists for the workshop are Theresa Cigan, Noam Faingold, and Mikhail Johnson. For questions, email [email protected] or call 202-633-1000.