Miami, FL – As Artistic Director Stéphane Denève enters his third full year at the helm of the New World Symphony (NWS), the acclaimed orchestra has unveiled a compelling and diverse 2025-2026 season. This new chapter, rich with a focus on American composers and the vibrant potential of emerging musicians, promises to further cement NWS’s reputation as a pioneering institution in classical music. Denève’s vision centers on reimagining the orchestral experience, empowering new voices, and fostering a deeper connection between music, its performers, and its audiences.
A Vision for the Future of Music
Stéphane Denève, who took the reins as Artistic Director in the 2022-23 season, has consistently articulated a philosophy that extends beyond mere performance. He views the New World Symphony not just as an orchestra, but as a vital “pipeline for so many orchestras all over the world”. His mission is to “help the new generation musically but also in their attitude, in their values and their understanding of what it means to be a musician in the 21st century”. This commitment to mentorship and comprehensive development is a cornerstone of his tenure, preparing NWS Fellows for leadership roles in an ever-evolving musical landscape. NWS operates as a “laboratory for reimagining the way music is taught, presented and experienced, especially in a digital world”. The orchestra’s programming reflects this forward-thinking ethos, balancing timeless masterpieces with contemporary works and embracing new technologies to enhance artistic expression.
Celebrating American Heritage and Innovation
The 2025-2026 season is particularly significant as it coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, a theme Denève will explore through a wide array of music by American composers. He will conduct eight programs in Miami, showcasing the depth and breadth of the nation’s musical contributions. The season opens on October 4 and 5 with powerful works that evoke resilience and courage: James Lee III’s Chuphsha! Harriet’s Ride to Freedom, a tribute to Harriet Tubman; Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, using the words of Abraham Lincoln; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 3, the “Eroica”.
Further highlighting American artistry, Denève will lead an evening dedicated to his mentor and friend, the legendary film composer John Williams, on October 18 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. This performance celebrates the genius behind “the soundtrack of our lives”. Later in the season, January 17-18, 2026, will feature an all-John Adams concert, with the composer himself sharing the podium with Denève. Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson will make his New World Symphony debut performing Adams’ new piano concerto, After the Fall, alongside other Adams works like The Chairman Dances.
A Diverse Repertoire and Collaborative Spirit
Beyond the American focus, the season promises a rich tapestry of musical styles. On October 25-26, violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, complemented by Guillaume Connesson’s Maslenitsa and Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3, which Denève describes as a “masterwork with a unique American sound”. The program “The Hollywood Sound” on March 14-15 will delve into film scores by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Max Steiner, culminating in Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra, with violinist Augustin Hadelich performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto.
A significant collaborative endeavor is the “American Dance Odyssey” on April 17, 18, and 19, which sees the New World Symphony joining forces with the Miami City Ballet. This multi-faceted program will celebrate American music and dance, featuring a tribute to choreographer Jerome Robbins and the premiere of a new choreographic concerto, incorporating new scores by composers such as Jennifer Higdon, Kevin Puts, Michael Abels, Carlos Simon, and Sarah Kirkland Snider.
The season will conclude with a grand finale on May 2-3, 2026, featuring Denève’s longtime collaborator, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, in a program celebrating Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. This concert includes Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and Symphony No. 2, “The Age of Anxiety”, alongside Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations and the vibrant An American in Paris.
Cultivating Future Leaders: The Fellowship Program
The New World Symphony’s three-year fellowship program remains central to its mission, preparing 87 fellows each season for careers in music and beyond. This intensive training encompasses performance, musicianship, community engagement, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with fellows receiving mentorship from Denève and over 250 visiting faculty and guest artists. The program’s success is evident in its extensive alumni network of over 1,200 musicians who hold positions in orchestras and ensembles worldwide. NWS also offers specialized programs for audio/video and orchestra librarian fellows, providing hands-on experience in key behind-the-scenes roles. The application period for the 2025-26 fellowship opens on October 13, 2025, inviting the next wave of talent to join this esteemed academy.
Immersive Experiences and Community Reach
Beyond the concert hall, the New World Symphony continues to make classical music accessible to a broader audience in Miami and beyond. Its popular WALLCAST® concerts, free outdoor broadcasts projected onto the New World Center’s exterior wall at SoundScape Park, offer a unique way to experience performances. The symphony also engages with communities across South Florida through various outreach initiatives, online streaming, and its YouTube channel, embodying its commitment to democratizing access to music.
As Stéphane Denève guides the New World Symphony through its 2025-26 season, the orchestra stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation. By championing emerging talent, celebrating the rich heritage of American music, and fostering immersive experiences, NWS continues to shape the future of classical music from its vibrant home in Miami.
