Ben Folds Says Kennedy Center’s National Symphony Orchestra in ‘Real Trouble’
In an open letter published June 2, 2026, musician Ben Folds stated that the Kennedy Center’s National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is in “real trouble” and may not survive. Folds, who served as artistic advisor to the NSO for nearly a decade before resigning in February 2025, said there is currently no plan or solution in sight to save the organization. He noted that no programming has been announced for the NSO’s upcoming season, which is unusual, and that the orchestra does not know if it has a home due to a previously announced two-year closure of the Kennedy Center. Folds wrote that the NSO’s endowment fund is tied to a bank note, complicating efforts to use it. He called for public support, including following the NSO musicians’ Instagram account, and urged journalists, donors, and citizens to act. Folds also recommended that Congress create guidelines requiring future Kennedy Center directors to have actual arts administration experience.
What’s reported
Ben Folds was artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra for nearly a decade and resigned in February 2025.
Folds stated the NSO is in “real trouble” and “may not survive.”
No programming has been announced for the NSO’s upcoming season, while other orchestras have announced theirs.
The NSO does not know if it has a home due to a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center.
The NSO’s endowment fund is tied to a bank note.
A recent court ruling removed Trump’s name from the building and restored political independence to the Kennedy Center, per Folds.
The NSO has 96 musicians.
Folds urged the public to follow @nso_musicians on Instagram, write to the musicians, and contact Congress.
Folds called for safeguards to prevent future politicization and for future Kennedy Center directors to have arts administration experience.
Key figures
Ben Folds: former artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (resigned February 2025).
Sources: Variety
