Stéphane Denève succeeds Michael Tilson Thomas at New World Symphony

Stéphane Denève is not an unfamiliar face to Miami audiences. He’s been a regular guest conductor at New World Symphony (NWS) since 2006 – and now he’ll become a regular fixture in our community.

Denève is succeeding NWS co-founder Michael Tilson Thomas as artistic director. Tilson Thomas announced in March that he was stepping down to focus on his health. He has undergone treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Denève begins his commitment in the 2022-23 season and will be only the second artistic director in the 35-year history of the organization. The French conductor currently serves as music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and in 2023 will begin his tenure as principal guest conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic.

“Stéphane Denève is one of the great conductors of our time, leading major orchestras of the U.S. and Europe,” said William M. Osborne III, NWS chairman, of the appointment. “He is deeply committed to passing the traditions of classical music to the next generation. The NWS Fellows work to the highest standards set by our founding artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas. Stéphane will guide them in the pursuit of excellence as conductor, collaborator and mentor.”

Osborne also stressed in a written statement that the challenges and opportunities posed by our digital environment are not lost on Denève, who will continue the NWS tradition of reinvention as it applies to concert formats and digital distribution of artistic expression.

“The New World Symphony, for over 35 years, has been at the forefront of musical education and has built a groundbreaking tradition of reimagining the future of our art form, pushing boundaries with passion, curiosity and open-mindedness. It is with great joy and a humbling sense of purpose that I am joining today the family of the New World Symphony,” said Denève of his new role. “I can't wait to share my experience, enthusiasm and love for music with all the talented NWS Fellows.”

“It is a great pleasure to welcome my friend and colleague, Stéphane Denève, to the New World Symphony family. I’m delighted that such a devoted, enthusiastic and internationally recognized musician has agreed to take up the musical leadership,” shared Michael Tilson Thomas.

The artistic director search committee was led by the NWS board of trustees. Tilson Thomas will continue his leadership of NWS as artistic director laureate.