The National Symphony Orchestra participates in events of national and international importance, including performances for state occasions, presidential inaugurations and official holiday celebrations. The symphony tours four continents and performs for various heads of state. In 198, it became the artistic affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the nation s center for the performing arts. The National Symphony Orchestra numbers 100 musicians and presents a 52-week season of approximately 175 concerts each year. The symphony performs classical works and pops concerts, as well as engages in one of the country s most extensive educational programs. Its National Conducting Institute combines leadership, administrative and musical training with a major orchestra to help conductors make the transition from leading student or part-time orchestras to working with a full-time professional orchestra. The National Symphony Orchestra is based in Washington, D.C.