National Symphony Orchestra: Labor Day Concert

The National Symphony Orchestra's Labor Day concert is a good reminder that a holiday weekend does not have to mean choosing between staying in and making a whole production of going out. The program pairs John Williams's "Liberty Fanfare" with Copland's "Appalachian Spring," before moving into Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Jan Lisiecki. That mix gives the evening both familiar American grandeur and a more substantial concert centerpiece. Lisiecki is the reason to take this particular program seriously: Tchaikovsky's first concerto is one of those pieces that can sound almost too familiar until a strong soloist makes its scale and virtuosity feel fresh again. The concert is scheduled for August 30 at 8pm, making it an easy fit for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. For anyone staying in town, this is a polished way to mark the long weekend without overthinking it.