Strathmore’s balancing act: Spotlighting local arts as national acts arrive

The Kennedy Center’s closure left some national artists without a venue, and Strathmore stepped in to fill the void.

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center of Performing Arts closed on Sept. 15, ostensibly for two years of renovations and repairs, pushing performing arts groups like the National Symphony Orchestra to find alternative venues, such as Strathmore.

Even while embracing these newcomers, the North Bethesda venue continues to amplify diverse voices, support the local community, and nurture creative ideas, evident in the many programs and artists they continue to showcase at the venue.

Ellen Gira, a local classical cellist and 2026 alumna of Strathmore’s Artist in Residence program, a professional development and mentorship initiative for emerging local musicians, said the program was fulfilling and that the closure of the Kennedy Center only strengthens Strathmore’s mission.

“It’s definitely an expanded role for them right now, but I think at the same time, it’s very consistent with what Strathmore has always been,” said Gira. “It’s a real honor to be affiliated with it in that sense.”

Gira said she first heard the Celtic cello at Strathmore, setting off her career and igniting the close relationship she has with the venue.

Since its launch in 2005, the Artist in Residence (AIR) program has supported 118 emerging musicians through mentorship, professional development, and performance opportunities.

Gire is set to perform in June 2027 in what she describes as an excellent acoustic performance space.

“Strathmore has always just been a really meaningful, encouraging space for the arts,” Gira said. “It makes absolute sense that groups from the Kennedy Center, in the absence of their normal performing, would go to the Strathmore.”

Strathmore’s impact on local musicians extends beyond the AIR program, with former participants continuing to credit the venue for the opportunities and assistance it provides.

Rochelle Rice, a singer-songwriter and 2015 Strathmore AIR alumna, described in a 2022 interview the lasting relationship she has maintained with the organization.

“Strathmore has one of those communities that once you’re in, you’re family, and you’re always taken care of,” Rice said in the interview published by Strathmore.

Josanne Francis, an alumna of the AIR class of 2018, said the program is unlike any other arts initiative and the amount of support from opportunities like the Artistic Advancement Fellowship was “unbelievable.”

“It’s developing the artist as a performer, as a business owner, as well as a teaching artist,” said Francis. “It teaches artists things they would have had to otherwise learn the hard way.”

The Artistic Advancement Fellowship is a 12- to 18-month program that provides material resources, career strategy, and individualized mentorship to help alumni of its AIR program scale their work into sustainable creative enterprises.

Francis said she has observed that Strathmore accommodated a lot of groups that were cut from the Kennedy Center, adding that she was glad other groups were able to find a home.

The National Symphony Orchestra began its 96^th season at Strathmore on Sept. 26, one of six venues across the Washington region where the orchestra will perform during the Kennedy Center’s closure. Strathmore is hosting 13 of the orchestra’s 64 classical concerts scheduled for the 2026-27 season.

According to its website, the Kennedy Center previously showcased more than 2,200 performances and exhibits. Roughly 85% of its audience comes from the Washington metropolitan area, according to historical arts administration research by ArtsJournal.

Jude Franklin, a volunteer at Strathmore for 15 years, said the groups that have moved to the venue draw a different demographic of patrons.

“There’s definitely been a different crowd coming to the Strathmore since the center closed down,” said Franklin.

Strathmore said it continues to support and spotlight local artists, a commitment that has been in place for many years prior to the Kennedy Center closure, but did not return calls for further comment.