Music

NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard is returning to the Arsht to perform Malcolm X Jazz Suite, which the Academy Award nominee based on his score for Spike Lee’s acclaimed 1992 film about the civil rights icon. At the Knight Concert Hall, the New Orleans-born trumpeter will perform an expanded version of the suite with his band The E-Collective and fellow Grammy winners Turtle Island Quartet. A groundbreaking musician in multiple genres, Blanchard in 2021 became the first Black composer to have an opera (Fire Shut Up in My Bones) appear at The Metropolitan Opera in New York. His most recent Academy Award nomination came in 2020, for Lee’s Vietnam War drama Da 5 Bloods. In 2024, Blanchard won his seventh Grammy Award, for the recording of his opera Champion, based on the life of professional boxer Emile Griffith.

Daniela Padrón: Bach to Venezuela Presented by: Centro Cultural Español (CCEMiami), The Miami-Dade County Auditorium "Away from Home Series", in collaboration with The Roxy Theater Group *CUA* Location: Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 7930 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155 Date: March 7, 2026, Time: 8:00 pm Description: Join Latin Grammy–winning violinist Daniela Padrón for a vibrant anniversary tribute to Bach to Venezuela, the genre-defying album that launched her international career. Blending Bach’s timeless works with Venezuelan rhythms like joropo, gaita, and merengue, this thrilling fusion unites Baroque brilliance with Latin American soul. Featuring violin, cuatro, ethnic percussion, and bass, this special performance celebrates a decade of cultural connection and musical innovation.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music and Artistic Director and Conductor BRAHMS Symphony No. 3 BRAHMS Symphony No. 4 Since its creation in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has been a global symbol of artistic excellence and an essential part of American musical life. Now in his 14th season with this legendary ensemble, music and artistic director Yannick Nézet-Séguin has nurtured and transformed the brilliant “Philadelphia Sound” in bold and revolutionary ways. The New York Times has called him “phenomenal,” adding that “the ensemble, famous for its glowing strings and homogenous richness, has never sounded better.” What better artists, then, to interpret and perform two of the mightiest symphonic masterpieces of the repertory: Brahms’ Third and Fourth Symphonies, with their miraculous fusion of classical clarity and Romantic passion? The Fourth Symphony, perhaps Brahms’ best-loved and most often performed, is darker, almost tragic, but also transcendental and considered the pinnacle of his symphonic achievements.

The Cleveland Orchestra Lucas Waldin, conductor KNOPFLER The Princess Bride (full film with live orchestral underscore) Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles. Experience one of the most beloved films of all time as never before with the power of The Cleveland Orchestra performing the entire musical score live while the film plays on a large screen above the stage!

Rafael Payare, conductor Sergey Khachatryan, violin With members of New World Symphony SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela SIBELIUS Violin Concerto STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring In the century since its infamously riotous premiere, The Rite of Spring has become a perennial favorite and an undisputed masterpiece. Complementing Stravinsky’s heart-pounding evocations of pagan rituals are two beloved works from Sibelius: The Swan of Tuonela and Violin Concerto, with soloist Sergey Khachatryan. Conductor Rafael Payare and The Cleveland Orchestra are joined by members of the New World Symphony for this electrifying evening.

Franz Welser-Möst, conductor Yefim Bronfman, piano BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor” MOZART Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter” One of today’s most acclaimed pianists, Yefim Bronfman brings poise and power to Beethoven’s revolutionary “Emperor” Concerto, which music director Franz Welser-Möst pairs with Mozart’s formidable “Jupiter” Symphony. Sharing heroic and evocative nicknames, Beethoven’s final piano concerto and Mozart’s final symphony have long represented the epitome of classical composition. Sometimes, composers really do save the best for last!

Cymande are a legendary UK band - funky, pan-Afro psychedelic soul-rock, dosed with calypso, reggae, and modern jazz. After a burst of critically beloved albums in the early 70s, Cymande went on a 40-year hiatus. But their music lived on as new generations of artists discovered and reworked their pioneering sounds, and tracks were sampled by golden age hip-hop icons like De La Soul, The Fugees, MC Solaar, Masta Ace, EPMD, Gang Starr. Now they return to finish what they started. The band re-formed several years ago with compilations, playing major festivals and new music that picks up where they left off in 1974 – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh edge to their iconic sound. Founding members Patrick Patterson (guitars, vocals) and Steve Scipio (bass, vocals) plus long time members Adrian Reid (keyboardist) and Raymond Simpson (vocalist), rounded out by new members – all led by guiding spirit of an inimitable mix of Caribbean sensibility and English experience. Opening DJ Set by Rich Medina.

Vasily Petrenko, Music Director Ray Chen, Violin NIELSEN Helios Overture TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto SIBELIUS Symphony No 2 Conductor Vasily Petrenko, 2017 Gramophone Awards Artist of the Year, “has brought style and excitement to the RPO ... since taking over three seasons ago” (The Guardian). These qualities will be showcased brilliantly in their performance of Sibelius’ grand and luminous Symphony No. 2. With its gorgeous melodies, luxurious harmonies and a finale that is pure joy, it’s easy to see why the Second Symphony has become one of the composer’s most celebrated works. Joining them on the first half of the program is the enormously popular Ray Chen, who is known to play a “virtuoso lick with a rock ’n’ roll stance, making it look mighty cool to be a violinist” (Violinist.com). He’s sure to be the coolest dude in the room when he takes on Tchaikovsky’s sweeping, melodious and virtuosic Violin Concerto, an undisputed crown jewel of the repertory. But first, the evening opens with Carl Nielsen’s life-affirming Helios Overture, the Danish composer’s radiant evocation of the sun god and his chariot journeying across the sky.

This edition of the North Beach Social, the free monthly musical meet up at the Bandshell, is all about Cuban music. The Garcia Brothers, co-led by young Cuban piano wizard Andy Garcia and his drummer/vocialist brother Yandy Garcia, are fresh arrivals to our city's musical melting pot. They have quickly made a name for themselves as part of Miami's elite musical scene with their style of Cuban fusion featuring contemporary Latin influences. Trained at the renowned Havana conservatories, the young musicians have no trouble keeping up with legendary artists and stars - or developing a buzz for their own projects. With this night, which leads into the annual Global Cuba Fest, they are promising stellar Cuban fusion, and special guests. The night starts with a dance lesson by Salsa Z.

Oigo's superjam brings together members of Electric Kif, Anemoia, Lemon City Trio, Twyn, and The Lab — a powerhouse collective that defines Miami’s modern sound. Expect blistering fusion from Electric Kif’s virtuosic quartet, Anemoia’s hypnotic song-based grooves, Lemon City Trio’s soulful organ-driven jams, and Twyn’s futuristic “jazztronica.” The Lab adds a dose of rock energy to round out the ensemble. Special guests include Anthony “Smurphio” Laurencio — the keyboardist, producer, and co-founder of Suenalo and Afrobeta — whose mastery of synthesis bridges electronic and organic worlds and multi-instrumentalist host Adrian Gonzalez-Arredondo (OIGO). Together, these artists represent the beating heart of Miami’s live music scene — a night where Latin funk, soul, fusion, and electronica collide in pure, joyful experimentation. North Beach Social, the free monthly meet up for music lovers, is presented by Rhythm Foundation with support from the City of Miami Beach.