New World Symphony

Enter a brave new world of music

Noteworthy for: NWS has recorded seven albums and has helped launch the careers of 750 young musicians.
Word to the wise: Each season, the symphony hosts free concerts, typically on Mondays and Tuesdays. Order free tickets by phone (USD 5 handling fee), by internet (USD 6 handling fee), or at the box office (no charge).

Miami may be better known for its hip hop and house than its classical, but they've certainly scored themselves a big, shiny symphony hall. The Frank Gehry-designed New World Center is worth a visit for its state-of-the-art structure alone, even when the New World Symphony is on hiatus (from the second week of May to late September).
Co-founded by Grammy-winning conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the concept behind the music is an orchestra comprised of conservatory students and graduates, who have enrolled on his three-year fellowship program. At this point, NWS has an alumni base of almost of 1000. With the help of Michael Tilson, who is also the artistic director, guest instructors like Yo-Yo Ma and guest conductors like Sir Neville Marriner, they have been producing high caliber concerts ranging from classical to experimental here since 1988.