The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), led by legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, joins the National Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of Marsalis’ Symphony No. 5, “Liberty.” Conducted by James Gaffigan, the performance brings together jazz, blues, and orchestral music in a celebration of the American story. It is part of Wynton Marsalis’ final season as Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and Music Director of the JLCO.
The concert is presented as part of Wolf Trap’s America250 series, which honors the music and artists that have shaped the nation’s cultural history. The symphony was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and Wolf Trap Foundation and co-commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Institution, Berliner Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Showtime: 8 PM
Gates Open: 6:30 PM
Pre-Performance Discussion: A discussion begins at 7 PM on the Farmhouse Lawn, to the left of the main gate. Participants are Davey S. Yarborough, co-founder and artistic director of The Washington Jazz Arts Institute, and Murray Horwitz, Tony Award-winning playwright and lyricist of *Ain’t Misbehavin’* and host of WAMU’s *The Big Broadcast*.
Program: Selections by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, followed by Marsalis’ Symphony No. 5 “Liberty” featuring the National Symphony Orchestra.
Performers: The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Conductor: James Gaffigan.
Tickets: Price not available.
Run Time: Not stated.
Ages: No age restriction is stated. Wolf Trap notes that children may be able to attend this show for free; consult the venue for eligibility and details.
Venue: Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182.
Parking: Parking is free but limited, and carpooling is encouraged. A Wolf Trap shuttle runs from McLean Metro station for $5 round trip.
Food and Drinks: Guests may bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol, for enjoyment in the park or on the Filene Center lawn. Food may not be taken to in-house seats. Chairs are permitted only at the top of the lawn. On-site options include concessions and the Ovations alfresco buffet restaurant.
Accessibility: ADA parking is available with assistance from park rangers. Sign language interpretation can be arranged by email with at least one week’s advance notice, while CART services require requests at least three weeks in advance. FM loop amplification headsets are available at no charge for most performances; guests should ask an usher upon arrival.