Mason Bates: With Adventure, Magic, and Surprise, a Techno-Infused Classical (R)evolution is Born

From being the opening musical act for artist Moby as a DJ to creating his Grammy-winning opera about one of the pivotal figures of the century, Steve Jobs, Mason Bates is an outlier who uses 21st-century sounds, technology, and an endless creative well to tell visionary stories and usher in sonic landscapes, the likes of which have never been done before in classical music. A true innovator and pioneer in the world of technology-infused orchestral-based compositions, this Juilliard graduate-turned-DJ/producer/orchestral composer has changed the perceptions and expectations of what a classical music performance can be in our modern times. I feel lucky to call him an old friend from those days at Juilliard, and fortunate to conduct his music worldwide. However, our performance of Mothership at Nu Deco was a true musical highlight. We will hear how adventure, surprise, and a dash of techno mixed with psychedelic rock have inspired him on his very unique journey, leading to numerous commissions and residencies with nearly all of America's great orchestras and opera companies. We discuss how creativity needs to first be born in order to get better, and that sometimes you simply need to “make your own weather” to get a seed of an idea to come to life. Like Gershwin before him, who brought jazz seamlessly into the classical music halls, Mason has brought techno and electronica to the classical music stages, and has found enormous success becoming the second most performed living composer in modern history.  Using new sounds to tell fresh stories, I think any fan of new music, the orchestra, and Nu Deco’s mission of supporting living composers will be as inspired as I was talking to this incredibly relevant and deep artist.

Om Podcasten

Miami’s 21st century genre-bending chamber orchestra, Nu Deco Ensemble, presents unfiltered conversations with dynamic and award-winning musical artists, trailblazing composers, and forward-thinking industry leaders and CEO’s. Hosted by Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Jacomo Bairos, these conversations dive deep into the lives and works of these exceptional artists and leaders, peeling back the mysterious curtain of creativity and inspiration, while exploring life wisdom gleaned from their stories and prolific careers. Composer, producer, and CEO of Nu Deco, Sam Hyken (also Co-Founder and Artistic Director) writes, arranges, and creates the majority of music for the ensemble and guest artists. Jacomo conducts the ensemble, and together they both curate and program, in liaison with composers and guest artists, content for performances, media distribution, and educational offerings. Described as “world-class” and “thrilling” in the press, Jacomo conducts around the world with institutions such as the Boston Pops, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Singapore Symphony. He regularly collaborates with Grammy-award winning musical artists such as Wyclef Jean, PJ Morton, and Jacob Collier, as well as hosts both Nu Deco’s performances and education concerts, reaching audiences across the globe and thousands of students throughout Miami and the nation. Jacomo also teaches and leads meditation as well as mindfulness and wellness courses for Nu Deco NXT, Nu Deco’s youth ensemble based in Miami.