Ten years can seem like a long time in a city that changes as often as Miami. But Nu Deco Ensemble, coming up on a decade of existence, has managed to find a way to permanently fix itself in the Magic City’s cultural landscape. That’s no small feat for something as old-fashioned as an orchestra – although as far as classical music goes, they’re pretty much on the cutting edge.
For one, they’re not just playing Mozart and Bach. Nu Deco also plays their own renditions of popular music, from Daft Punk and Radiohead to OutKast and Dr. Dre. The group have invited the likes of Ben Folds, Wyclef Jean, and Macy Gray to perform and compose with them, and they even backed up Spanish-language pop superstar Bad Bunny at the 2019 Latin Grammys.
“We're really trying to reimagine what an orchestra can be in the 21st century in terms of how it operates, the kind of repertoire it plays, and how it interacts with the community.,” says Hyken. “Not every city needs the same kind of orchestra. Not every city needs a natural history museum. We feel like our ensemble is very unique to the city that we were born in, basically.”
(Courtesy of Nu Deco Ensemble)
The Nu Deco Ensemble has had great success with concerts focusing on hip-hop, electronic dance music, and other popular styles.
Nu Deco’s unorthodox approach has allowed them to cultivate a loyal following that doesn’t necessarily interact with classical music. According to Sam Hyken, CEO and co-artistic director, a show commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop last year attracted audience members from 32 states after the group’s cover of OutKast’s classic “SpottieOttieDopalicious” went viral. The group has over 210,000 Instagram followers, which Hyken says is the second-most in the country. By comparison, the New York Philharmonic, the most famous and prestigious orchestra in the U.S., has 248,000 followers.
They’ve also managed to find a sustainable way to coexist with a difficult environment for music and art, especially in Florida. The group lost about $70,000 in funding thanks to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoing the state’s entire $32 million arts budget.
(Courtesy of Nu Deco Ensemble)
Sam Hyken, Nu Deco Ensemble CEO.
“We figured out a way to adjust our programming where we wouldn’t lose anything,” Hyken says of the cuts. “We just had to change the scope of what we were doing and we kind of figured it out. But it certainly wasn’t easy, and I think there’s definitely organizations that were affected more strongly than us.”
The group have been able to weather the blow through alternative revenue streams, including donations, membership programs, revenue from licensing and streaming, and even merchandise. And of course, ticket sales are a big help.
“We're a little bit atypical from your typical orchestra. We're really trying to, you know, really examine what's a success. We really view ourselves as a brand and an artist, in addition to being a not-for-profit organization.”
Along with shifting ideas about what an orchestra can play, they’ve also experimented with where and how classical music might be heard in Miami. Rather than stay in one place, Nu Deco activates venues across the city, changing its size and repertoire to suit each location.
(Courtesy of Nu Deco Ensemble)
Nu Deco frequently shifts locations, playing at venues such as the outdoor Miami Beach Bandshell.
Five different venues, including the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami, the Moss Center in Cutler Bay, and the historic Miami Beach Bandshell, will host Nu Deco for their special 10th anniversary season, which begins on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, at Miami Beach’s historic Colony Theater on Lincoln Road. That show will feature a special collaboration with the Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, as well as performances of “Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout” by Gabriela Lena Frank and an original piece by the ensemble.
The crew saves its most innovative and intimate programming for the Citadel in Little River, however. The mixed-use complex, which includes shopping, art exhibits, bars, and a food hall, is where Nu Deco stages more experimental and genre-specific programming. In addition to hosting a second “History of Hip-Hop” show there in February, they’re also planning an electronic music show in collaboration with local DJ Dude Skywalker. The performance will feature laser and LED effects and no seating – like a real EDM nightclub, just with an orchestra.
Nu Deco are also planning a much more ambitious show at the Bandshell next May, one that will feature immersive effects based on “four seasons, four senses,” according to Hyken. It’s being produced with support from the Knight Foundation and the Rhythm Foundation, and as with past shows at the outdoor venue, audience members will be given headphones to wear during the show to heighten immersion. Other special shows are also in store, such as a 10th Anniversary concert at the Arsht in April that will include illustrious past collaborators.
“We're always trying to have as diverse and dynamic a season as possible,” Hyken says. “This season in particular, we wanted to do something that would really kind of honor what we've done over the past 10 years while also showing you know what our vision for the future is.”
Nu Deco Ensemble’s 2024-25 season begins Oct. 5 and runs through 2025. Visit nu-deco.org for performance dates, times, and locations.