Ben Folds begins his role as the NSO’s Artistic Advisor in the ’17-’18 season (Photo courtesy Ben Folds).

The National Symphony Orchestra today announced the appointment of Ben Folds as its Artistic Advisor, a post he will hold through the 2019-2020 season.

Folds first rose to prominence with his band, Ben Folds Five, which had a hit with the song “Brick” in 1997. As a solo performer, he frequently collaborates with orchestras, including the NSO.

In this newly created role, Folds will perform, collaborate, and consult with the National Symphony Orchestra on its programming, and will also be responsible for curating some of the orchestra’s performances. Notably, Folds will help curate the NSO’s DECLASSIFIED events, which kicked off in 2015 with Folds as the first performance. Beginning with the 2017-2018 season the series will offer two types of concerts: performances that offer shorter presentations of the classical repertoire, and the new DECLASSIFIED: Ben Folds Presents concerts, where artists from multiple genres will collaborate with the NSO to create unique live music experiences.

Folds will also curate the NSO’s Young People’s Concerts and accompanying Family Concert. These will offer a new take on Leonard Bernstein’s famous concert/television series to help celebrate the classical icon’s centenary. In future seasons, Folds will also serve as a mentor to young musicians through the NSO’s education programs.

“I’m honored to serve in this new role with the NSO,” Folds said in a written statement. “I’m excited about the possibilities—from music education to concerts—putting my favorite current musical artists together with our nation’s capitol’s symphony orchestra at the Kennedy Center to make something new. I’m looking forward to taking this creative journey together.”