Jacksonville News

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

Photo by Member Mark Krancer, Kram Kran Photo

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
6/24/2025 4:00:00 AM Member News

The Jacksonville Symphony Welcomes New Assistant Conductor

The Jacksonville Symphony Welcomes New Assistant Conductor

Jacksonville, Fla. (June 24, 2025) – The Jacksonville Symphony is thrilled to announce the appointment of Na’Zir McFadden as Assistant Conductor, beginning with the 2025/26 Season.

McFadden joins the Jacksonville Symphony from Detroit, where he recently served as Assistant Conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra. At just 25 years old, he has already led performances with some of the country’s most respected orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Utah Symphony Orchestra, among others.

“It’s a great honor to join the Jacksonville Symphony as Assistant Conductor this season,” said McFadden. “I’m eager to build on its rich tradition of musical excellence, forge meaningful connections within the community, and inspire the next generation of artists through bold, transformative performances.”

McFadden will make his conducting debut with the Jacksonville Symphony in “Bewitched Broadway: Wicked, Phantom, Little Shop & More” on October 24 and 25, 2025. In addition to conducting in the Fleet Landing Coffee Series, Terry Family Foundation Pops Series and Symphony in 60 Series, he will also support the Symphony’s artistic leadership by covering a range of concerts throughout the season.

A passionate advocate for community engagement, McFadden is committed to using music as a catalyst for connection and inclusion. “I’m especially passionate about community building—creating inclusive musical experiences that bring people together, spark dialogue and deepen our shared sense of belonging through the power of music,” he added.

The Jacksonville Symphony looks forward to the fresh energy, vision and artistry that McFadden brings, and is confident that the community will warmly embrace him in his new role.

For more information about upcoming concerts and McFadden’s debut, visit JaxSymphony.org.

About the Jacksonville Symphony 
The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,500 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.

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Media Contact:  
Savannah Silliman
Marketing and Public Relations Manager  
Jacksonville Symphony 
ssilliman@jaxsymphony.org