from a variety of backgrounds, some currently enrolled in music conservatories such as Juilliard and others still completing high school. Another important project is the National Symphony Orchestra American Residencies for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This venture encompasses sharing all elements of classical symphonic music with a specific region of the United States, exploring the diversity of musical influences, and giving the region a musical voice in the nation's center for the performing arts through exchanges, training programs, and commissions. Established in 1992, the project has taken the NSO to fifteen states. Music directors Hans Kindler (1931–1949) Howard Mitchell (1949–1970) Antal Doráti (1970–1977) Mstislav Rostropovich (1977–1994) Leonard Slatkin (1996–2008) Iván Fischer (principal conductor; 2008–2010) Christoph Eschenbach (2010–2017) Gianandrea Noseda (2017–present) References External links National Symphony Orchestra Official site National Symphony Orchestra History National Symphony Orchestra Profile at the Washington Post American orchestras Musical groups from Washington, D.C. Members of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington Wikipedia requested audio of orchestras Musical groups established in 1930 1930 establishments in Washington, D.C. United States Arts organizations established in 1930 Performing arts in Washington, D.C. Symphony orchestras