Mighty Young Composers!
Mighty Young Composers! is a two-week program for rising 3rd through 6th graders that invites young musicians to explore the connection between visual art and music. Inspired by the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers program and presented in conjunction with the Hirshhorn’s resident new-music ensemble, the 21st Century Consort, the workshop challenges participants to turn a painting into a piece of music. Under the guidance of teaching artists Theresa Cigan, Noam Faingold, and Mikhail Johnson, students experiment with a variety of musical instruments, learn unique methods for communicating musical ideas, and craft original compositions with the help of professional musicians. No prior music training is required—only curiosity and imagination. The program culminates in public concerts where students hear their compositions performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra and the 21st Century Consort. Registration was required in advance and has now closed.
When: June 22, 2026–July 1, 2026, Monday through Friday.
Showtimes: Morning session for rising 3rd and 4th graders: 10:30 AM–noon. Afternoon session for rising 5th and 6th graders: 1:00–2:30 PM.
Public Concerts: Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, at 4:00 PM.
Tickets: Registration required (now closed) for the workshop; concert details do not specify ticket requirement.
Lineup: Teaching artists: Theresa Cigan, Noam Faingold, and Mikhail Johnson. Performing ensembles: members of the National Symphony Orchestra and the 21st Century Consort.
Run time: Workshop sessions run 1.5 hours per day (morning or afternoon). Concerts are at 4 PM (duration not stated).
Ages: Rising 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders (with separate sessions for younger and older groups).
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560. The program takes place on the lower level of the Hirshhorn Art School.
Note: Questions can be emailed to [email protected] with “Mighty Young Composers” in the subject line. The event is categorized under Hirshhorn Kids and Youth and Families, with tags Education and Mighty Young Composers.