National Symphony Orchestra
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), founded in 1931, is an American symphony orchestra based in Washington, D.C.. Its principal performing venue is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Wetzler Symphony Orchestra
Wetzler, who studied at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, settled in New York City for a time, forming the symphony orchestra in 1903. Wetzler invited Richard Strauss to the city to conduct his orchestra in a "Strauss Festival", which would include most of his symphonic works. Strauss and Wetzler conducted this orchestra in this concert series beginning on February 27, 1904 in Carnegie Hall. This series included Strauss conducting the premiere of his "Symphonia Domestica" on March 21. Strauss required 15 rehearsals before he was satisfied with the orchestra's playing. On March 19, the orchestra broke down in the middle of "Don Quixote".