This summer, the iconic Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will present a unique orchestral celebration of American music legend Dolly Parton.
The concert series, titled “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” reimagines Parton’s beloved catalog through the lens of a full symphony orchestra. The project, as Parton herself stated, is deeply personal: “The threads of my life are woven together through my songs. That’s why the project, Threads: My Songs In Symphony, is so special to me… It’s about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way.”
Following its successful premiere in Nashville last year and subsequent tour across the country, “Dolly Parton’s Threads” will grace the Kennedy Center stage on June 26th and 27th. The National Symphony Orchestra will lead the performance, bringing orchestral arrangements to classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
While Parton herself won’t be performing vocals during these concerts, audiences can expect a special presentation honoring her lasting influence on American music. The National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with guest vocalists and musicians to deliver what the Kennedy Center describes as “a fresh symphonic take on the timeless songs of Dolly Parton.”
The concert is designed as a multimedia experience, incorporating visuals showcasing Parton’s career and personal story, creating “a visual-musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories.”
“Bringing Dolly Parton’s music to life through the power of a full symphony orchestra has long been a dream of mine,” said Steven Reineke, Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra. “Dolly is one of the great storytellers of American music, and I am excited to bring her expansive catalog to the Kennedy Center. Through these unique symphonic charts, her music will be showcased like never before and will surely be an evening no one will want to miss!”
Kennedy Center officials are optimistic about this event and others planned under new leadership.
- Ticket Availability: Kennedy Center members can purchase tickets starting April 29th at 10 a.m., with the general public sale beginning May 1st.
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell has announced plans to usher in a “Golden Age of the Arts,” focusing on programming that resonates with audiences and generates revenue after periods of financial challenges for the institution.
“This will be the Golden Age of the Arts,” Grenell stated. “We must have programs that sell tickets… I wish we didn’t have to consider the costs of production, but we do.”
Grenell emphasized a shift towards popular performances, including plans for large-scale Christmas celebrations featuring traditional productions honoring the birth of Christ.
