Where We Trained: Miami's New World Symphony
Founded in 1987 by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the New World Symphony in Miami has been an important stepping stone for young classical musicians, providing a link between their college days and their first professional appointment in an orchestra (https://www.nws.edu).
New World has evolved from having quite spartan quarters in the 1980s to today's state-of-the-art facilities. Accepted by competitive audition, New World fellows receive advanced orchestral training and a modest stipend.
There are several GRSMA members who trained at New World as fellows. In fact, violist Barbara Corbato was in their first graduating class.
Barbara Corbato performed in the world premiere concert of the New World Symphony in downtown Miami to a sold-out audience of 1,700.
"As an inaugural member of the NWS, I knew that it was something very special. Getting to work with MTT and many other wonderful conductors was incredibly exciting. Those first years were so special. We even got to have an unforgettable rehearsal with Leonard Bernstein. Working with the other fellows was also incredibly valuable, and I cherish the friendships that I made while I was there. I learned so much about orchestral playing during my time at New World, and it really set me up with foundations to be a solid professional orchestra musician."
Making connections with important figures in the classical music world is a benefit of the New World education. GRSMA trumpeter Carrie Schafer was a member of New World from 2009 to 2011 and enthusiastically reported that it was an incredible experience. "My colleagues made my experience at the New World Symphony an exceptional one. I am grateful to Michael Tilson Thomas and NWS for creating an environment for weekly professional development with established musicians in the industry."
Carrie Schafer, surrounded by her New World trumpet colleagues and renowned American composer John Adams, after he conducted a performance of his "City Noir" with the New World Symphony.
Being a New World fellow occurred at an important time in bass player Jonathan Reed's life. "New World Symphony came at a pivotal time in my career, when I was seriously considering changing directions professionally, both inside and outside music. The exposure to world-class conductors, guest artists, and coaches reinvigorated my passion for making music and orchestral playing in general. I will always hold dear the high level of performance and the energy of that place, to constantly improve and pursue art at the highest level. Art for art's sake!"
GRSMA bassist Jonathan Reed (second from left) with his New World colleagues, after a run-out concert in West Palm Beach, Florida.
More recently, violinist Jaewon Seo and cellist Shirley Kim came to GRSMA fresh from New World and shared this about their time there.
Newlyweds Shirley Kim and Jaewon Seo, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami Beach, Florida.
Shirley Kim was a New World Symphony fellow from 2023 to 2024, and she said, "It was an experience that proved to be both professionally enriching and personally memorable. A particular highlight was the performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 under the direction of Jukka-Pekka Saraste, a work I am especially eager to revisit in the upcoming season with the Grand Rapids Symphony (https://www.grsymphony.org/tragedy). Although my time at the New World Symphony was brief, I received invaluable mentorship from visiting guest faculty, and I had the privilege of collaborating with renowned conductors and critically acclaimed soloists."
A New World Symphony fellow from 2022 to 2024, Jaewon Seo relayed, "It was one of the most formative experiences of my musical journey. The orchestral environment felt like a professional orchestra, with demanding rehearsals, high-level performances, and the chance to work closely with incredible conductors and guest artists. The intensity and expectations pushed me to grow personally, and the experience deeply shaped both my musicianship and my confidence as a professional."
(GRSMA: You can read more about Jaewon Seo in our Musician Profiles in this issue HERE.)
As it approaches its fortieth year, the New World Symphony has had an important impact on so many musicians and orchestras. GRSMA is happy to have New World alumni among our ranks.
Watch for our next article in this series "Where We Trained," when we feature the Chicago Civic Orchestra.