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The Orchestral Qawwali Project in concert—the U.S. premiere of a fusion blending Sufi music with the Washington National Opera Orchestra. Photo: Courtesy of Strathmore.
From a jazz orchestra featuring two of today's most dynamic artists to a U.S. premiere blending Sufi music with a full opera orchestra, Strathmore's new season additions are anything but safe.
The Music Center at Strathmore has just added four performances to its 2026–2027 lineup, and the range is impressive. Tickets go on member pre-sale Wednesday, Aug 19 at 10 a.m. and public on-sale Friday, Aug 28 at 10 a.m. For Strathmore Presents performances, tickets under $30 are available.
Strathmore Jazz Orchestra featuring Anat Cohen and Camille Thurman
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027
The Strathmore Jazz Orchestra—a 17-piece big band created and led by conductor and composer Daniel Jamieson—joins forces with clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen and vocalist-saxophonist Camille Thurman. Cohen is "one of the primary voices of her generation" on both tenor saxophone and clarinet, while Thurman's dual gifts as saxophonist and vocalist embody the "rhythm and range of modern jazz."
What to expect: A night of dazzling improvisation, soulful vocals, and infectious swing.
Gustavo Santaolalla: Ronroco Tour
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Two-time Academy Award-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla brings his multi-instrumental band to Strathmore to perform music from his celebrated film, television, and video game scores—including The Motorcycle Diaries, The Book of Life, Maya and the Three, and The Last of Us.
Santaolalla is known for his work on the ronroco, a South American lute-like instrument that became the signature sound of The Last of Us soundtrack. His Ronroco Tour has been touring Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
What to expect: Hauntingly beautiful ronroco-driven scores from one of the most distinctive composers working today.
Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio
Sunday, May 16, 2027
Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck joins harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez for a genre-crossing performance blending jazz, bluegrass, world music, and improvisation. The trio's instrumentation—banjo, harp, and drums—is as unexpected as it is seamless.
What to expect: Three masters of their instruments, one stage, and a night of improvisation that defies genre.
The Orchestral Qawwali Project with Washington National Opera Orchestra
Friday, June 25 & Saturday, June 26, 2027
Presented by Strathmore and District of Raga as part of the Windows Series, this is the U.S. premiere of The Orchestral Qawwali Project. The project blends Western classical and choral music with South Asian Sufi music (qawwali) and Indian classical dance. Led by singer Abi Sampa and composer Rushil Ranjan, the project transforms a 700-year-old sacred tradition for a global stage.
What to expect: A fusion of centuries-old Sufi music with the power of the Washington National Opera Orchestra.
Tickets & Details
Member pre-sale begins Wednesday, Aug 19 at 10 a.m. Public on sale begins Friday, Aug 28 at 10 a.m. Performances take place at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. Tickets are available at strathmore.org or by calling 301.581.5100. For Strathmore Presents performances, tickets under $30 are available.
From the intimate sounds of the ronroco to the sweeping power of a full opera orchestra, these four performances are proof that Strathmore's 2026–2027 season is not just about entertainment—it is about discovery.
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