Detroit Symphony Names New Assistant Conductor

In addition to this coveted position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Na’Zir McFadden will also serve as Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador.

In his new role, McFadden will work closely with Music Director Jader Bignamini and guest conductors on both the PVS Classical Series and the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series. In addition to leading pre-concert lectures at Orchestra Hall, McFadden will also conduct a variety of programs on the Educational Concert, Young People’s Family Concert, and PNC Pops series.

"I am thrilled to welcome Na’Zir McFadden to the DSO as Assistant Conductor and Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador,” commented Music Director Jader Bignamini. “Na’Zir is a very talented and charismatic conductor, and I was immediately impressed with his musicality and professionalism when rehearsing with the orchestra. I am also very happy that he received the offer to be Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he will be able to help develop the next generation of musicians.”

On his new appointment, McFadden commented: "It is truly a great honor to be named the new Assistant Conductor and Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Not only have I been inspired by the stellar performances given by the DSO through the years, but also by its commitment to preserving the highest of artistic standards while imagining a new bright future for classical music. I am eager to work and learn alongside Music Director Jader Bignamini and the many guest conductors who will visit the DSO.

“I am equally excited to become the Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra," he added. "Together, we will explore diverse programming, collaborate with guest artists, and introduce new opportunities within music outside of playing our instruments. I am so excited for the upcoming season and look forward to making Detroit my new home!"

McFadden, aged 21, previously served as inaugural Apprentice Conductor of the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra as well as the 2020-21 Robert L. Poster Conducting Apprentice of the New York Youth Symphony.

Highlights include a recording project with musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, at the invitation of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as part of the CSO’s “Notes for Peace” program, as well as collaborations with esteemed musicians such as violinist Hilary Hahn and conductor Ricardo Muti.

An accomplished clarinetist, McFadden is a co-founder and member of the Philadelphia-based wind quintet Opus(215), and recently won his first professional audition with the United States Navy Band.