Kennedy Center announces plans to celebrate JFK, India and Mexico in 2010-2011 season

Kennedy Center to stage celebrations of JFK, India

WASHINGTON — The living memorial to President John F. Kennedy is planning a two-week series of performances early next year to honor the 35th president and mark the 50th anniversary of his inauguration.

The tribute is part of the largest ever programming slate for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The 2010-2011 season announced Tuesday also includes a festival of the arts and culture of India, a celebration of Mexico and an expanded theater season. Christoph Eschenbach will begin as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra.

President Michael Kaiser says it represents the most the Kennedy Center has ever spent on programming, despite the tough economy. It amounts to about $85 million, a 6 percent increase over this season.