Na’Zir McFadden Jacksonville Symphony Assistant Conductor
Photo: ©Andrej Grilc
Audience connection is at the heart of your work. From the podium, how do you create those powerful moments of connection?
I try to create moments that feel personal and alive—where the orchestra and audience breathe together. It’s about honesty and presence, letting the music unfold naturally so everyone feels part of the same journey. When that connection happens, the performance becomes something shared, not just witnessed.
Your career has already seen impressive milestones at such an early stage. Is there one moment so far that stands out as a highlight you’re especially proud of?
A favorite memory of mine was making my debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall in 2024. I was later invited back to Tanglewood—a place that’s become a true musical home since completing the TMC Conducting Fellowship—to lead Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait with historian Heather Cox Richardson as narrator. The performance, which so seamlessly blended music and storytelling, was a full-circle moment for me, surrounded by the history and spirit of a place that has shaped so much of my artistic journey.
Before joining the Jacksonville Symphony, you served as music director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra. What lessons or perspectives did working with young musicians give you that still resonate today?
Working with the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra and leading the DSO’s education and family concerts taught me how powerful music can be when it meets people where they are. Young musicians bring a raw honesty and excitement that constantly remind me why I love this work. Whether guiding students in rehearsal or connecting with families in the concert hall, I learned that the most meaningful performances are the ones that spark curiosity, joy, and a lasting sense of connection.
Looking ahead, what are some of your artistic goals or dreams over the next five years?
Over the next five years, I hope to continue growing as a conductor and collaborator—ultimately working toward becoming the music director of a great orchestra. I’m excited to take on roles that allow me to shape an ensemble’s artistic vision while deepening its connection to the community. I also look forward to expanding my work internationally, exploring new partnerships and cultural exchanges that broaden my perspective. Above all, I want to keep creating performances that inspire, challenge, and bring people together through the shared experience of music.
Every performance brings its own surprises. Do you have a lighthearted or funny story from the podium that you still smile about?
Absolutely! During one of my early education concerts in Detroit, I turned around to engage the students between pieces—and one of the students in the front row shouted, “You’re really moving up there!” The whole hall burst into laughter, including the orchestra. It was a perfect reminder that even in our most serious art form joy and spontaneity are what keep music—and those moments—alive.
What do you love most about Jacksonville?
What I love most about Jacksonville is the sense of warmth—both from the people and the city itself. There’s such an exciting mix of culture, creativity, and community here, and I’ve felt genuinely welcomed from day one. It’s a place with so much potential for growth and connection, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to help shape its musical story.
