The last time that Ton Koopman, the Dutch early music specialist, conducted the National Symphony Orchestra, the experience prompted the hope that the ensemble could establish a regular residency with such a conductor. Prayers answered, at least partially, as Koopman returns this week for another program centered on baroque and classical music.

Koopman leads performances of French baroque music, including excerpts from Rebel’s Les élémens and a suite from Rameau’s Les Indes Galantes. German and Austrian works follow with a C.P.E. Bach symphony, Mozart’s Serenata notturna, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 83 (“La Poule”).

A good way for the NSO to train its early music muscles, and not a chestnut among the lot.

Performances take place 7 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. Friday, and 8 p.m. Saturday in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. kennedy-center.org; 202-467-4600

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