John Spirtas joined the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in 2000 as Principal Percussionist. In addition he regularly appears with the Post Classical Ensemble and has performed with the National Symphony and the Chautauqua Symphony.

John currently serves on the faculty of George Mason University and Washington Adventist University. Prior to joining the KCOHO, he was a percussionist in the New World Symphony, in Miami Beach, Florida and attended the Tanglewood Music Center, Pacific, and Aspen festivals. 

John is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the New England Conservatory of Music.  His teachers include Alan Abel, Will Hudgins, Salvatore Rabbio, Michael Udow and Nora Davenport.