All upcoming Music, Theater, & Performing Arts programs

Few composers have made a mark on film like Ennio Morricone. He composed and arranged scores for more than 400 film and television productions, earning a reputation as a master of underscoring, deftly building psychological and emotional impact with music. Film music scholar Franco Sciannameo examines a selection of Morricone's scores to illuminate the composer’s ability to bring viewers into the cinematic narrative.

Technology and science ran amuck on screen during the 1950s as moviemakers addressed the tensions and uncertainties associated with scientific, political, and technological developments during the Truman-Eisenhower years. The world exploded, pods replaced humans, and invaders came from Mars. Film historian Max Alvarez explores out-of-this-world selections of spine-tingling sci-fi and horror films from the period.

From inventing beloved characters to crafting fantastical worlds to creating television for the whole family, Jim Henson’s creative genius was unparalleled. The Jim Henson Company Archives Director Karen Falk and biographer Brian Jay Jones explore six extraordinary objects donated by Henson’s family to the National Museum of American History. Each offers a unique window into Henson’s creativity, artistic evolution, and long-lasting cultural impact. Guided by Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator in the Smithsonian’s Division of Culture and the Arts, the discussion weaves together biography, behind-the-scenes insights, and historical context.

Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson reminds viewers that films are built from thousands of creative choices, and understanding them means examining elements like pace, music, lighting, direction, acting styles, and editing. Learning to isolate these components deepens appreciation without diminishing enjoyment. Jenkinson illustrates his approach through two films from Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer and The Odyssey, and Philip Kaufman's The Right Stuff.

As soon as movies learned to talk, they also learned to sing and dance—and the movie musical quickly became one of America’s most popular film genres. Media historian Brian Rose guides you through the rich history of the movie musical, illustrated with extended clips from dozens of classic films. From 42nd Street and Swing Time to Meet Me in St. Louis, West Side Story, and Chicago, the four-part series celebrates the songs, stars, and stories that made movie musicals an enduring part of American culture.

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences are privy to the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicoló Amati—in this popular four-concert series on Saturdays. This concert features music composed by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

As soon as movies learned to talk, they also learned to sing and dance—and the movie musical quickly became one of America’s most popular film genres. Media historian Brian Rose guides you through the rich history of the movie musical, illustrated with extended clips from dozens of classic films. From 42nd Street and Swing Time to Meet Me in St. Louis, West Side Story, and Chicago, the four-part series celebrates the songs, stars, and stories that made movie musicals an enduring part of American culture.

Nineteen twenty-six was the birth year of a generation that would permanently change the course of jazz history. The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra honors groundbreaking musical artists who make up “the class of 1926,” including Ray Brown, Melba Liston, and Randy Weston.

Popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores the creative minds and keyboard talents of a quartet of piano pioneers celebrated for their prowess as both composers and performers. Franklin concludes each lecture by performing a work by the spotlighted composer.

As soon as movies learned to talk, they also learned to sing and dance—and the movie musical quickly became one of America’s most popular film genres. Media historian Brian Rose guides you through the rich history of the movie musical, illustrated with extended clips from dozens of classic films. From 42nd Street and Swing Time to Meet Me in St. Louis, West Side Story, and Chicago, the four-part series celebrates the songs, stars, and stories that made movie musicals an enduring part of American culture.