• The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987) Cover
  • The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987) Title Page with Rostrovich signature.
  • The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987) Recipe
  • The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987) Recipe 2
1 4

Toronto Symphony Women's Committee

The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987)

The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook – Signed by Rostropovich (1987)

$25.00 USD
$25.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
"The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook"
Publisher:
FANS (Friends Assisting the National Symphony)
Type:
Cookbook
Style:
Community & Fundraising Cookbooks
Era:
Late 20th Century (1970–1999)
Date:
1987 (Third printing)
Origin:
Washington, D.C.
Dimensions:
6 ⅛" × 9 ⅛"
Condition:
Very Good (VG)
Location:
Washington DC, USA
Cover:
Softcover wire-bound
Pages:
317 (300+ recipes)
ISBN:
9780961367206
Book genre:
Community & Junior League
Notes:
Signed by Mstislav Rostropovich

Signed third printing with nearly 300 recipes from Washington’s cultural and culinary elite.

The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Cookbook is a 1987 third printing of the celebrated culinary collection compiled by FANS (Friends Assisting the National Symphony) and published by NPO.

This 317‑page, wire‑bound softcover volume features nearly 300 recipes and variations, contributed by orchestra members, NSO board members, Washington chefs, ambassadors, and cultural figures — reflecting the rich intersection of music, diplomacy, and cuisine in the nation’s capital.

This copy is inscribed by Music Director Mstislav Rostropovich (1927–2007) with the handwritten greeting “Bon appétit” — or “Enjoy your meal” — in Russian. Rostropovich’s tenure with the NSO (1977–1994) helped elevate Washington, D.C. into a major arts hub, and this cookbook captures the spirit of that era through its recipes and contributors.

Mstislav Rostropovich Biography

Mstislav Rostropovich, one of the world’s most celebrated cellists and conductors, served as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra from 1977 to 1994. His leadership helped elevate Washington, D.C. into a major cultural center, expanding the NSO’s repertoire, attracting international guest artists, and bringing the orchestra to global audiences through tours and recordings.

A special menu section offers curated combinations for events such as Fundraising Dinners, Light Suppers, and Picnics at Outdoor Concerts, using recipes from the book.

This copy is in excellent condition, with clean pages, strong binding, and minimal wear. Measures 6 ⅛" × 9 ⅛". A rare, signed example of culinary and musical history.

Browse our complete Community & Junior League Cookbooks collection for more fundraising cookbooks and recipes.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

View full details

The Legacy of Community Cookbooks

Community cookbooks are valued for their historical significance, their role in fundraising, and their ability to preserve culinary traditions. Often passed down through families with handwritten notes on time-worn pages, they reveal an intimate look into American culture and social norms—particularly the role of women.

Naming conventions like "Mrs. John A. Smith" reflect the hierarchy and identity of women during an era of limited societal power; while the recipes reflect food trends, kitchen technologies, and patterns of cultural assimilation. These cookbooks trace the larger story of America as it was reshaped by immigration, urban growth, and industrial change.

The tradition began during the Civil War with Maria J. Moss's, A Poetical Cookbook (1864), which raised funds for soldiers' families. Junior League organizations are major publishers, first publishing The Junior League Recipe Book (1930). Many have maintained popularity through the generations—like Charleston Receipts (1950), the oldest community cookbook that is still in print today.

More culinary classics ...