News Summary
The Jacksonville Symphony welcomes Na’Zir McFadden as its new Assistant Conductor, starting from the upcoming season. At just 25, McFadden brings a wealth of experience from his role with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and his educational background from prestigious institutions. His vision promotes inclusive musical experiences, enhancing Jacksonville’s cultural landscape. McFadden will debut with the Symphony in a concert themed “Bewitched Broadway” in late 2025, promising a dynamic collaboration that continues the Symphony’s tradition of excellence.
Jacksonville – The Jacksonville Symphony has announced the appointment of Na’Zir McFadden as the new Assistant Conductor, effective with the 2025/26 season. At just 25 years old, McFadden is set to bring his extensive experience and talent to the symphonic community in Jacksonville.
Currently serving as the Assistant Conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, McFadden also held the role of Music Director for the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2022 up until 2025. In these positions, he closely collaborated with prominent figures in the music world, including the DSO Music Director Jader Bignamini and renowned guest artists such as Sir Donald Runnicles and Leonard Slatkin. These experiences have equipped him with a solid foundation for leading musical ensembles effectively.
In addition to his work in Detroit, McFadden has made guest appearances with several other prestigious orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Nashville Symphony. His participation as a Conducting Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center further highlights his commitment to honing his craft and expanding his influence in the field of orchestral conducting.
McFadden’s educational background includes studying conducting at the Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of Paul Bryan, as well as at DePaul University with Cliff Colnot. He was appointed the Robert L. Poster Conducting Apprentice of the New York Youth Symphony in 2020, and he held the title of the inaugural Apprentice Conductor for the Philadelphia Ballet, illustrating his versatility in both orchestral and ballet conducting.
His commitment to community engagement through music is a notable aspect of McFadden’s vision. He aims to create inclusive musical experiences that promote connection and dialogue among audiences, enriching the cultural landscape of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Symphony expressed their enthusiasm for McFadden’s appointment on social media, inviting the community to welcome him warmly as he approaches the start of his tenure.
McFadden is poised to debut with the Jacksonville Symphony in a concert titled “Bewitched Broadway: Wicked, Phantom, Little Shop & More”, scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2025. This performance will mark his first appearance with the orchestra, setting the stage for what is expected to be an exciting and fruitful collaboration between McFadden and the Jacksonville Symphony.
The Jacksonville Symphony has established a tradition of musical excellence, and McFadden’s arrival is anticipated to further enhance their artistic vision. As the symphony looks forward to the upcoming season, the community remains eager to see how McFadden’s unique style and passion for music will resonate through their performances.
With a promising career and a commitment to fostering a vibrant musical environment, Na’Zir McFadden’s future in Jacksonville is marked by potential and opportunity as he steps into the role of Assistant Conductor with the Jacksonville Symphony.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville Symphony Welcomes New Assistant Conductor
- Wikipedia: Orchestra
- The Violin Channel: Jacksonville Symphony Appoints New Assistant Conductor
- Google Search: Jacksonville Symphony
- Legacy: Mary Slade Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conductor (Music)
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
