New World Symphony Marks 25 Years Of Beautiful Music
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Congratulations are in order and celebrations are planned for The New World Symphony as it marks 25 years of making beautiful music.
Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas has been leading the talented fellows in this program that has launched the careers of more than 750 musicians worldwide .
Two years ago, the symphony moved to its brand new modern headquarters called The New World Center on Miami Beach.
It is a Frank Gehry designed building that is both a first class performance hall and a teaching laboratory.
"I'm happy that the building is a reflection of a program that grew step by step. They are very personal steps that grew with so many young artists, and of course people supporting us here in community," said Tilson Thomas.
Tilson Thomas has been a conductor since the age of 19. Earlier this month, he received his 11th Grammy Award.
"I'm the music director of the San Francisco Symphony and Principal Guest Conductor of The London Symphony so I mostly spent my time between Miami, London and San Francisco, not bad huh?" he joked.
He said every time he conducts the fellows, who are all outstanding graduates of schools of music schools from around the world, it's a new thrill for him.
"Performing these big symphonies for me is like revisiting a national park . I've been there, I know the trails and according to who I'm with and what the feeling is that day, it's a different experience and that's what makes it ever new," explained Tilson Thomas.
For Tilson Thomas, having this elegant center is something he does not take for granted. He hopes all of South Florida comes to see and listen to what it is all about.
"We have our wonderful wall casts, it's a wonderful entertainment opportunity because it's there, its free and on the big screen in the company of wonderful people and families. You have an incredible sounds system and you can take in as much as you want to take in," he explained.
Saturday Feb. 23rd is the 25th Anniversary Gala. It's a big private affair but Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. are two concerts. The 7:30 concert is on the wallcast and is free to the public.
