The acclaimed Nu Deco Ensemble, a trailblazer in contemporary orchestral performance based in Miami, has announced its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, promising an eclectic and boundary-pushing array of musical experiences. This upcoming season, dubbed Season 11, continues the ensemble’s mission to reinvent orchestral music for the 21st century, blending classical precision with adventurous collaborations and reimagined popular music.
A Season of Bold Reimaginations
The Nu Deco Ensemble’s 2025-2026 season is set to captivate audiences with its daring approach to repertoire, delving into iconic works from across the musical spectrum. The season kicks off in October at The Citadel with a symphonic interpretation of the Grateful Dead’s music, promising a “psychedelic reimagining” of the legendary band’s sound. Later in the season, the ensemble will present a “much-anticipated Mac Miller Suite,” offering a philharmonic tribute to the late artist’s introspective catalog.
Adding to the diverse lineup, Nu Deco Ensemble will also present a “brand-new Bee Gees orchestral suite” as part of its grand finale in April at the Adrienne Arsht Center, pairing it with Holst’s “The Planets.” This commitment to reimagining beloved music from various eras and genres underscores the ensemble’s dedication to making orchestral music accessible and relevant to a wide audience.
Diverse Collaborations and Premieres Across Miami
Beyond its thematic programs, the Nu Deco Ensemble has curated a season rich with collaborations with acclaimed artists and premieres of new works. Hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco is slated to headline a performance at the Miami Beach Bandshell in January 2026, a showcase that will also feature the premiere of Pascal Le Boeuf’s “Playground,” described as a virtuosic chamber work.
Further guest artists include Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn for “A Haunted Symphony” in late October, and Latin electronic producer Sinego for “Underground Symphony” in mid-November, blending global club rhythms and Latin folk sounds with lush orchestration. The ensemble will also return to the Adrienne Arsht Center in December for a “soulful celebration” with PJ Morton and friends, featuring vocalists Darrel Walls and Susan Carol, and trumpet virtuoso Keyon Harrold. This performance will also include a new orchestral tribute to Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life,” alongside composer Courtney Bryan’s “House of Pianos.”
March 2026 will see Portuguese-Cape Verdean vocalist Mayra Andrade bring her diasporic sound to the North Beach Bandshell, a performance that will feature a newly commissioned work from Michael League, a prominent figure in the music world. The season wraps up with a grand finale in April at the Adrienne Arsht Center, featuring the aforementioned Bee Gees suite and a surprise guest artist still to be announced.
Venues Across Miami
The 2025-2026 season will utilize several key venues across Miami, offering diverse settings for its groundbreaking performances. These include the Citadel in Little Haiti, the Adrienne Arsht Center downtown, and the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell, ensuring a broad reach within the vibrant Miami cultural landscape.
Nurturing the Next Generation: Nu Deco NXT
Integral to Nu Deco Ensemble’s mission is its commitment to education and community outreach through its youth program, Nu Deco NXT. This free initiative is designed for passionate South Florida student musicians in grades 7–12, focusing on developing individual skills, ensemble playing, and exploring a wide range of musical styles. Nu Deco NXT aims to foster socially conscious and dynamic musicians through pillars of 21st Century Performance, Musical Creation, Wellness, and Leadership.
This season, NXT musicians will have unique opportunities, including side-by-side performances with the main ensemble, even joining PJ Morton onstage in December. They will also debut original compositions during the Spring Break Intensive Showcase in March, demonstrating the burgeoning talent nurtured by the program.
Nu Deco Ensemble’s Enduring Mission
Co-founded in 2015 by conductor Jacomo Bairos and composer-arranger Sam Hyken, Nu Deco Ensemble has established itself as a dynamic 30-piece hybrid orchestra. Their vision is to create transformative musical experiences that inspire and connect, building a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable community of artists, students, and audiences. The ensemble is renowned for its genre-bending performances, innovative collaborations with artists across classical, jazz, hip-hop, and pop genres, and its dedication to commissioning new works. The New York Times has lauded them as a “Chamber orchestra for the 21st century,” while Billboard has described them as “Sonically Spellbinding.”
This latest season announcement reinforces Nu Deco Ensemble’s position as a leading force in contemporary classical music, offering a rich tapestry of sound and culture that resonates throughout Miami and beyond. The news signifies another exciting chapter for the ensemble as it continues to push the boundaries of orchestral music.
