New World Symphony-New Campus opening week highlights

This has been an exciting week of events at the New World Center, Frank Gehry designed campus home to the New World Symphony just off Lincoln Road. I spent the last year not only anxious for this campus to open, but created hype as a proud executive committee member and patron of the NWS. Now my friends can finally see for themselves what I have been ranting and raving about. On Tuesday, they had an exquisite event in the outdoor park section, which was literally transformed in a week, from a dirt pile to grass, paved walkways, unique sculptures, picnic tables, beautiful foliage and palm trees, not to mention, state-of-the-art sound system. It's beyond cool. A place where you can bring your family, pets, etc. and sit and watch the symphony from a larger than life 7,000 square foot projection wall. No other symphony has this, so naturally it's created a lot of global buzz, here are some recent articles:

 Miami Herald, Andres Viglucci – Mr. Gehry’s Opus: A look at how New World Center was built
  http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/22/2029368/mr-gehrys-opus-a-look-at-how-beach.html

 New York Times, Nicolai Ouroussoff – Gehry Design Plays Fanfare for the Common Man
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/arts/design/24gehry.html?scp=2&sq=gehry&st=cse

Wednesday evening the 26^th, we attended the opening concert beginning with Richard Wagner’s “Overture to the Flying Dutchman”. It was refreshing to walk into this glamorous new space. The interactive 360-degree full circle riser seating was unlike any other concert hall.  I had the opportunity to sit front row behind the orchestra, and watch the conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas’ facial expressions. We literally sat within arms reach of the percussion section. A couple fellows before the 2^nd act actually turned around and embraced us.  

I was blown away by the 2^nd piece, a 2010 world premiere composition by Thomas Adès. It reminded me of Mike Oldfield’s, tubular bells. The timpani and percussionists created incredibly melodic and soothing sounds. The use of 14 digital projectors added an exhilarating sense of intimacy and breathtaking visual to the performance. Most certainly, the NWS is not your grandpa’s symphony! As I looked around I saw the most diverse and eclectic group of artists, musicians, philanthropists, including Gloria Estefan and Bruce Weber. Miami is in fact taking over the music scene, and I am so pleased to be a part of something so cutting-edge and modern.

The next two events are not to be missed.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 The First outdoor Wall Cast-open to the public

7:30 PM An iconic new performance hall comes alive, as Michel Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony perform Wagner’s dramatic Flying Dutchman Overture and Copland’s majestic 3rd Symphony. Also featuring the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by renowned British composer, Thomas Adès and exciting video art by Tal Rosner.

Saturday night, January 29th the opening gala begins at 6:30. Tickets sold out before the campus even opened it's doors.  The performances will include Leonard Bernstein’s; Overture to Candide, Erik Satie’s; Gymnopedie No. 1, and Modest Mussorgsky’s; Pictures at an Exhibition. Followed by dinner under the stars. There may still be tickets to the 10:30 late night dancing and entertainment. Call the ticket office at 305-673-3331, or to become a  friend or patron of this music phenomenon go to www.nws.org