Classical Music in Miami

The classical music scene in Miami (and South Florida in general) has grown tremendously in the past century plus.  Yes, a few legendary musicians performed in Miami in the early part of the 1900s.  Flash forward to today, one of the greatest orchestras in the Southeast United States is not a “professional” one – the New World Symphony has performed at an elite level for more than 35 years.  The Arsht Center hosts the Cleveland Orchestra and select touring orchestras each season.  Two major universities (University of Miami and Florida International University) have major music programs from the undergraduate to doctoral levels.  Under the radar to many, the New World School of the Arts has been training young musicians, many of which go on to the nation’s leading music schools.  In other words, serious classical music is around us in Miami – at all levels.

In addition, like the rest of the world, the availability of classical music has changed outside the concert stage as well. From 78s and LPs to CDs – and now a host of internet based options, we can enjoyed classical music more easily than ever before. While the availability of music has grown practically exponentially, we have increasingly seen a challenge to finding the most memorable experiences possible. On our site, we try to help focus on some of those most memorable – whether from the concert stage or from recordings – as it is our belief that the finest performances, no matter the format, will give the greatest joy.

NOTE: APRIL 5-6, 2025 IN MIAMI BEACH

Special performances by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony take place in Miami Beach. The moment will be incredibly sentimental – the orchestra that Tilson Thomas created, one of the last time anyone can see Tilson Thomas on stage anywhere, and of course we might as well say “in the concert hall that Tilson Thomas built” just like the saying the house that Babe Ruth built. For more information, we strongly suggest visiting: www.nws.edu