Miami’s acclaimed Nu Deco Ensemble has unveiled an ambitious and genre-defying 2025-2026 season, promising a dynamic array of musical tributes, innovative collaborations, and performances across the city’s most iconic venues. The upcoming season, marking the ensemble’s 11th, solidifies its reputation as a groundbreaking force in contemporary classical music, pushing artistic boundaries by reimagining beloved music across genres and eras.
A Season of Sonic Exploration and Iconic Tributes
The Nu Deco Ensemble’s latest programming reads like a curated journey through musical history and contemporary innovation. Kicking off in October at The Citadel, the season will debut the “Grateful Dead Suite,” offering a symphonic reimagining of the legendary band’s psychedelic sound. This opening act sets the tone for a season rich with adventurous interpretations.
Further into the fall, the ensemble will present “A Haunted Symphony” featuring Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn, followed by the highly anticipated “Underground Symphony” in mid-November. This collaboration with Latin electronic producer Sinego promises a fusion of global club rhythms and Latin folk sounds with lush orchestration, turning The Citadel into an immersive symphonic playground.
December brings a “Soulful Celebration” to the Adrienne Arsht Center, featuring PJ Morton and friends, including vocalists Darrel Walls and Susan Carol, and trumpet virtuoso Keyon Harrold. A highlight of this performance will be a new orchestral tribute to Stevie Wonder’s seminal album “Songs in the Key of Life,” alongside composer Courtney Bryan’s “House of Pianos.”
As the season progresses into 2026, Nu Deco Ensemble will head to the Miami Beach Bandshell for a hip-hop-forward showcase in January, headlined by the GRAMMY-winning artist Lupe Fiasco. This event will also premiere the “Mac Miller Suite,” a tribute to the late artist’s introspective catalog, alongside “Playground,” a chamber work by Pascal LeBoeuf.
March 2026 will see a collaboration with Portuguese-Cape Verdean vocalist Mayra Andrade, bringing her diasporic sound to the North Beach Bandshell, complemented by a newly commissioned work from Snarky Puppy’s Michael League. The season culminates in April with a grand finale at the Adrienne Arsht Center, pairing Holst’s “The Planets” with a brand-new orchestral suite dedicated to the Bee Gees, featuring a surprise guest artist.
Miami’s Cultural Heartbeat: Venues and Vision
The Nu Deco Ensemble’s choice of venues—The Citadel in Little Haiti, the Adrienne Arsht Center downtown, and the Miami Beach Bandshell—underscores its deep connection to Miami’s diverse cultural landscape. These locations provide distinct backdrops for the ensemble’s innovative programming, allowing different facets of the city’s artistic spirit to shine.
Founded in 2015 by conductor Jacomo Bairos and composer-arranger Sam Hyken, Nu Deco Ensemble has consistently redefined the role of a modern orchestra. Described by The New York Times as a “chamber orchestra for the 21st century,” the group is celebrated for its genre-bending approach, seamlessly blending classical traditions with pop, jazz, funk, and electronic music. Their mission, to create transformative musical experiences that inspire and connect, is evident in their broad appeal and extensive collaborations with artists across the musical spectrum.
Nurturing the Next Generation: Nu Deco NXT
Integral to Nu Deco Ensemble’s mission is its commitment to education and community engagement through its youth ensemble, Nu Deco NXT. This free program, designed for students in grades 7-12, focuses on developing compassionate, socially conscious, and dynamic musicians. Nu Deco NXT fosters artistic growth through musical creation, stylistic flexibility, improvisation, wellness, and leadership.
Members of Nu Deco NXT will not only participate in rehearsals and workshops but will also have the opportunity to perform side-by-side with the professional ensemble, even joining PJ Morton onstage in December. They will also debut their own original works during the season’s Spring Break Intensive Showcase, further embedding them within the artistic fabric of the ensemble’s offerings.
A Pillar of Miami’s Music Scene
With a reputation for pushing sonic boundaries and engaging audiences from all walks of life, Nu Deco Ensemble’s 2025-2026 season promises to be a landmark event for Miami’s music scene. By celebrating iconic artists and fostering emerging talent, the ensemble continues to prove that orchestral music can be both timelessly sophisticated and vibrantly contemporary, cementing its status as a vital cultural institution in the heart of South Florida.
