By: Shayne Benowitz
Get on your feet and move to the beat of these Miami musical offerings.
Miami is a diverse cultural melting pot and perhaps that’s no more self evident than in the range of music throughout the city. From world-class symphony orchestras and opera to electronic dance music and the biggest names in pop, Miami’s music scene also extends to its Latin roots. We celebrate Miami Live Music Month every November, and the sound of music can be heard year round here.
Catch a show: whether it's the symphony, opera or orchestra.
New World Symphony
The New World Symphony is America’s Orchestral Academy performing at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center in the heart of South Beach. Led by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, this is where to hear up-and-coming talent in state-of-the-art facilities, which include a 7,000-square-foot exterior wall where performances are simulcast before Soundscape Park.
Florida Grand Opera
With a residency at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera is a world-class company presenting classic and groundbreaking operas every season.
The Cleveland Orchestra Miami
Celebrating its 10th year in Miami in 2015, the Cleveland Orchestra Miami performs at the Knight Concert Hall at the Arsht Center annually, featuring such acclaimed performers as soprano Renée Fleming.
Seraphic Fire
A choral orchestral chamber ensemble based in Miami, Seraphic Fire tours nationally led by founder and artistic director Patrick Dupré Quigley. From Georgian chant to baroque masterpieces, the ensemble has been twice Grammy nominated.
University of Miami Frost School of Music
With over 300 concerts and recitals performed annually, the Frost School of Music is a beacon of music culture in Miami. Performing at the Gusman Concert Hall, expect pieces by world-renowned visiting artists, faculty and students groomed to be the next big stars. Festival Miami takes place every October and November with 30 concerts in every musical style, from jazz to Broadway to country and beyond.
Miami Symphony Orchestra
A hometown professional symphony orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra is found in Kendall under the baton of Maestro Eduardo Marturet. Their repertoire includes national and world premieres, as well as classics.
Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation
Celebrating the art of the piano, the Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation is an international music and education not-for-profit, featuring performances of dueling pianos not to be missed.
Chopin Foundation of the United States
Miami’s Chopin Foundation of the United States is home to the annual National Chopin Piano Competition, as well as Chopin salons and concerts in North Bay Village.
Orchestra Miami
With a mission to bring high-quality music to everyone in Miami, Orchestra Miami is known for their free outdoor concerts and educational programs.
Jubilate
Specializing in Afrocentric composition, Jubilate consists of both a symphony orchestra and vocal ensemble in North Miami.
Some of the biggest performers in the world visit Miami's concert venues.
AmericanAirlines Arena
When major artists like Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake or Madonna come to Miami, chances are their concert will be held at the AmericanAirlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat, in Downtown Miami.
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park hosts big names at the Klipsch Amphitheater stage throughout the year, from indie rockers Alt-J to DJs like Kaskade and Zedd.
Fillmore Miami Beach
An intimate concert space in the heart of South Beach, the Fillmore gets a wide range of both underground and mainstream artists, from Arcade Fire to Bruno Mars.
In Miami the days are hot and the nightlife is hotter.
Bardot
When it comes to live music, Bardot is one of the top nightclubs featuring sets by both DJs and bands in a high-energy setting. Expect local Miami artists like Austin Paul and Michael John Hancock III to visiting musicians like Neon Indians.
Grand Central
With an upstairs and downstairs space, Grand Central is an indie and underground music haunt in downtown Miami with diverse acts ranging from the Jacuzzi Boys to Trick Daddy.
Lagniappe House
For live jazz music every night in a chill outdoor patio with wine by the bottle and cheese plates, Lagniappe House is an off-the-beaten path bar in Midtown.
Hoy Como Ayer
To get your salsa on, visit this classic spot in Little Havana for live music including a Thursday night residency by local band Spam All Stars.
Ball & Chain
The historic Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho in Little Havana has been reimagined for modern Miami revelers. Enjoy live music, salsa dancing and the best mojitos in town here.
Don't miss these international music festivals.
Ultra Music Festival
Easily the biggest music event of the year, Ultra Music Festival brings electronic dance music (EDM) fans out to Bayfront Park every March for a three-day festival featuring the biggest names in dance music.
Winter Music Concert
Running congruently with Ultra Music Festival, Winter Music Conference brings an industry focus to EDM, as well as the biggest parties of the year at hotel pools and nightclubs.