Are the times we are living in (2026) as exciting as turn-of-the-century Europe was? Were people aware of how revolutionary art, literature, politics, you name it, was? I was thinking about this recently as I listened to Debussy and Ravel at the New World Symphony.

This time I went alone, without my students. Miraculously, I was blessed with no traffic entering or leaving Miami; I guess the snowbirds have not arrived en masse yet… But back to the concert.

The amuse buche was Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari for Orchestra. A recent (2021) piece by this Mexican composer, it represents an ancient Mexican Huichol pilgrimage in search of the mythical “Blue Deer.” It was a rich, melodic composition that, at 5 minutes, felt far too short. Here is a clip from the same orchestra, same venue, a few years ago:

What should have been the appetizer was, in fact, a Whopper! Arturo Márquez’s Fandango for Violin and Orchestra, performed by Anne Akiko Meyers, an absolute virtuosa! The performance was astonishing; maybe I went in unprepared, but I do not think anyone can prepare for the blast that is Akiko Meyers. Her performance floored me! (Here is the last movement, LA Phil directed by Dudamel)

After regrouping during the intermission, we listened to Debussy’s Iberia, which is shocking when you realize he spent only a few hours in Spain. He crossed the border, saw a bullfight, and returned to France! But if Manuel de Falla said it was as Spanish, or more so, than anything a Spanish composer could have composed, it’s good enough for me. And the Spanishness is really mesmerizing.

Then it was time for the headliner, Ravel’s Bolero. This has to be one of the most recognizable tunes—I guess you could call it a melody. The double combination comes from the melody’s simplicity and repetition, but the real uppercut comes from the buildup: up, and up, and up… what a crescendo! The New World Orchestra did not disappoint. They brilliantly placed the snare drum right in the middle of the string section, between the violas and the cellos, to add attention and emphasis. This piece can rightly be considered one of the grandparents of minimalism. Bolero lays out what Philip Glass and Steve Reich would do decades later.

The New World Symphony is a treasure. Its philosophy, youthful energy, and enthusiasm are qualities many orchestras could benefit from. The Frank Gehry-designed building is wonderful, and the staff is super friendly! It is a blessing to have them in Miami Beach. Bravo indeed!