Today, on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic, the Ambassador of Italy to the United States Armando Varricchio bestowed on Gianandrea Noseda, Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC, the honor of the rank of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The award ceremony followed the opening night of the 2018-2019 symphonic season. For this concert, Noseda chose a musical repertoire inspired by space and explorations, in occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the first landing on the Moon. During the opening, the NSO announced that Maestro Noseda will remain Music Director for an additional 4 years up until 2025.