For music lovers seeking a truly revolutionary night out in Miami, the Nu Deco Ensemble offers an electrifying alternative to both the traditional concert hall and the typical nightclub scene. This genre-bending, 21st-century orchestra, led by co-founders Jacomo Bairos and Sam Hyken, performs a dynamic season of concerts primarily at their home base, The Citadel in Little River, as well as other iconic city venues. By masterfully blending classical sensibilities with the music of artists like Daft Punk, OutKast, and Queen, and collaborating with living legends, Nu Deco is dismantling the stuffy stereotypes of orchestral music. They provide an accessible, high-energy experience that is fundamentally reshaping Miami’s cultural landscape and attracting a new, diverse generation of concertgoers.
What is the Nu Deco Ensemble?
At its core, the Nu Deco Ensemble is a musical experiment born from a desire to make orchestral music relevant and exciting for a modern audience. Founded in 2015 by the visionary duo of conductor Jacomo Bairos and composer-arranger Sam Hyken, the group operates outside the confines of a traditional symphony. It is a “hybrid orchestra,” featuring a flexible roster of classically trained musicians who are equally adept at playing a Bach concerto as they are a funk groove.
Their mission is to create transformative musical experiences that connect people and celebrate the music of our time. This is achieved by demolishing the invisible walls that have long separated genres. A Nu Deco performance is a space where classical, electronic, jazz, pop, and hip-hop not only coexist but are woven together into a singular, exhilarating sound.
This innovative approach stems directly from its leadership. Bairos brings a palpable, infectious energy to the podium, conducting with a passion that is more rockstar than maestro. Hyken is the architectural mastermind behind the sound, crafting brilliant and intricate symphonic suites that reimagine the work of iconic popular artists with the full force and color of an orchestra.
The Nu Deco Experience: What to Expect at a Concert
Attending a Nu Deco concert is unlike any other classical music event. The experience is intentionally designed to be immersive, casual, and communal. Forget silent halls, strict dress codes, and applause only at designated times; this is a vibrant, living event.
The Atmosphere and Venues
The ensemble’s primary home at The Citadel in Little River perfectly encapsulates their ethos. The performance space is a raw, industrial-chic hall that feels more like a cool warehouse venue or art gallery than a concert hall. The setting is intimate, with options for standing general admission tickets that allow you to get close to the action or reserved seating for a more traditional view.
Before the show and during intermission, the audience mingles, grabs cocktails from the bar, and can even head upstairs to the building’s artisan food hall. The vibe is social and relaxed. People come dressed in everything from stylish jeans and blazers to cocktail dresses—the focus is on comfort and personal expression, not conformity.
While The Citadel is their hub, Nu Deco also stages larger-scale productions at venues like the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for grander collaborations and the open-air Miami Beach Bandshell for magical performances under the stars.
The Music: A Three-Part Journey
A typical Nu Deco performance is structured as a journey through different musical worlds, keeping the audience constantly engaged and surprised. The program is a meticulously curated tapestry of sound.
First, you’ll often hear music from contemporary classical composers or a fresh take on a historical masterpiece. This isn’t a dusty rendition of a classic; it’s played with a modern urgency and vitality that makes it feel brand new.
The centerpiece of the evening is almost always one of Sam Hyken’s signature suites. These are breathtaking symphonic explorations of the discography of a legendary artist or band. Past suites have honored the likes of Daft Punk, Queen, Bill Withers, OutKast, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hearing these familiar anthems deconstructed and reimagined with the power of a full orchestra is a profound and often euphoric experience.
Finally, most concerts feature a special guest collaboration. Nu Deco has a stellar track record of performing with world-class artists from across the musical spectrum. Past collaborators have included superstars like Wyclef Jean, Ben Folds, and Jacob Collier, as well as indie darlings and local Miami heroes. This element brings a unique, once-in-a-lifetime energy to each performance.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Venues, and Tips
Securing your spot at a Nu Deco concert is straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way, especially for their more high-profile shows.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are sold directly through the Nu Deco Ensemble website. It’s wise to join their mailing list or follow them on social media to get notified when tickets for a new season or special event go on sale. Performances with major guest artists can and do sell out quickly.
You’ll typically find several ticketing tiers:
- General Admission (GA): Usually standing-room-only, offering the most casual and affordable way to experience the show. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to the stage and feel the energy of the crowd.
- Seated Admission: Provides a reserved or open seat, often on risers for better sightlines. This is ideal if you prefer a more comfortable viewing experience.
- VIP Packages: Often include premium seating, complimentary drinks, and sometimes a meet-and-greet opportunity.
Pro-Tips for First-Timers
To make the most of your Nu Deco night, keep a few things in mind. If you have a GA ticket for a show at The Citadel, arrive early. The space is intimate, and arriving 30-45 minutes before showtime will help you secure a prime spot.
Take advantage of the venue. The Citadel’s food hall is excellent, so consider arriving even earlier to grab dinner before the show. The bar inside the concert venue is open before the performance and during intermission, so you can enjoy a drink while you listen.
Most importantly, come with an open mind. You will hear a dizzying array of styles. Embrace the journey, clap when you feel moved, and allow yourself to be swept up in the collective energy of the room. This is an orchestra that wants you to have fun.
Beyond the Concert Hall: Nu Deco’s Impact on Miami
The significance of Nu Deco Ensemble extends far beyond their ticketed performances. They are deeply embedded in the Miami community, with a strong focus on education and accessibility. Through their Nu Deco NXT program, they provide mentorship and performance opportunities for talented young musicians from local schools, cultivating the next generation of creative artists.
The ensemble frequently performs free pop-up concerts in public spaces, bringing their music directly to the people of Miami. This commitment to community engagement ensures that their work is not confined to an exclusive audience but is a shared cultural asset for the entire city.
In a city known for its vibrant but often siloed scenes, Nu Deco has become a powerful unifying force. They have created a space where people from all walks of life—art lovers, nightlife seekers, classical aficionados, and curious newcomers—can come together to share in a singular, powerful experience. They are a “Made in Miami” institution that perfectly reflects the city’s dynamic, multicultural, and forward-looking identity.
A concert by the Nu Deco Ensemble is more than just a night of music; it is a glimpse into the future of live performance. It’s an experience that is at once artistically profound and wildly entertaining, proving that an orchestra can be one of the most exciting shows in town. For anyone looking to tap into the true creative pulse of Miami, a Nu Deco concert is an essential, unforgettable adventure.
