For nearly a decade, Nu Deco has defied categorization. The Miami-based contemporary orchestra has built its reputation on the ability to seamlessly blend classical virtuosity with the pulse of modern music, taking audiences on sonic journeys that transcend genres. From high-energy tribute suites to iconic acts like Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre, and Daft Punk to groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Jacob Collier, and Tank and the Bangas, Nu Deco has made an undeniable impact on the city’s cultural fabric.
Miami has long been a city of musical contrasts—a place where the pulse of Latin percussion meets the sleek, hypnotic rhythms of house music, where jazz, hip-hop, and classical traditions seamlessly coexist. But rarely do these sonic worlds collide in a way that feels intentional, unified, and electrifying. That’s about to change.
Now, Nu Deco is stepping into uncharted territory with their most daring collaboration yet: Underground Symphony, a genre-blurring experience co-created with Fabio Galarce of the acclaimed DJ act Dude Skywalker. This two-night event at The Citadel on March 7 & 8 marks Nu Deco’s first-ever foray into the electronic realm—a bold step that not only expands the orchestra’s sonic possibilities but also serves as a bridge between Miami’s thriving classical and electronic music scenes.
The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Fusion
The idea for this collaboration was born over a year and a half ago when Nu Deco co-founder Jacomo Bairos and Fabio decided to hit the studio together just for fun. “Fabio had been urging me for a long time, and I always had this dream of doing something with EDM and orchestra,” says Bairos. “From the very first few moments we started, it was such a joy—exciting beyond belief. After several sessions, we knew we were onto something.”
As the project evolved, Bairos reached out to Nu Deco co-founder Sam Hyken, whose expertise in orchestral arrangements and deep appreciation for electronic music made him the perfect architect for the sonic experiment. Hyken immediately saw the potential and helped shape what would become Underground Symphony—a full-scale fusion of electronic production and orchestral instrumentation.
A Meeting of Miami’s Musical Minds
Fabio, a fixture in Miami’s underground electronic scene, has spent years cultivating a deep connection to the city’s nightlife culture. As a member of Dude Skywalker, he has held residencies at some of Miami’s most iconic clubs and built a reputation as a selector with an uncanny ability to read a room and move a crowd. His music, which fuses deep house, techno, and world influences, has resonated with dancers and music lovers alike, making him a natural fit for a collaboration of this magnitude.
“Fabio and I have been friends since I moved back to Miami, and I’ve always admired his hustle—his venues, his music, and his connection to the community,” says Bairos. “He’s been a supporter of Nu Deco since the beginning, so this collaboration felt natural. His expertise in the electronic world gave me the confidence to try something new, and once we started, I was completely hooked.”
Building an Orchestral Rave
Unlike Nu Deco’s well-known tribute suites, Underground Symphony is an entirely new beast. “This isn’t a traditional suite like our Daft Punk or Outkast tributes,” says Hyken. “This is more of a fusion of two separate bodies of work.”
The performance will be divided into two distinct parts: the first half will feature music that Hyken and Fabio co-wrote and reimagined together, while the second half will showcase original compositions Bairos and Fabio created, now arranged for a full orchestral performance. Every detail, from the track order to the sonic textures, has been meticulously crafted to take the audience on a journey culminating in an orchestral rave.
“I’ve always envisioned an orchestra in the mix,” Bairos adds. “Blending natural sounds—ocean waves, wind, birds from my homeland of Portugal, and even the sounds of the Azores—alongside electronic textures creates an incredible sonic landscape.”
A New Era for Live Music in Miami
Beyond its artistic ambition, Underground Symphony is a statement about Miami’s musical evolution. A city often recognized for its electronic music dominance and Latin influences, Miami has long been a melting pot of sound, yet many of its musical communities exist in silos. This show aims to change that.
“Miami is a city of entertainment, with world-class DJs, concerts, and orchestras happening simultaneously,” says Bairos. “But sometimes these worlds feel fragmented. We want this show to be a meeting point—an intersection for music lovers of all backgrounds.”
For those who love the energy of nightlife but don’t want to wait until 4 AM to hear a DJ set, Underground Symphonyoffers a fresh alternative. It’s a chance to drink, dance, and experience a truly unique performance in an intimate setting, where the raw power of live musicians meets the hypnotic pulse of electronic beats.
The Future of Orchestral and Electronic Fusion
The excitement surrounding this collaboration has already sparked conversations about what’s next. If Underground Symphony resonates as deeply as Nu Deco and Fabio hope, it could pave the way for further collaborations between orchestras and electronic artists, both in Miami and beyond.
“The orchestra is a limitless canvas, the ultimate vehicle for artistic musical expression,” says Bairos. “This is just the beginning of what’s possible when you combine the grandeur of orchestral music with the energy of electronic sound.”
And if there’s one thing Miami knows, it’s how to set the stage for the next big movement.C
Catch Underground Symphony on March 7-8 at The Citadel as part of Sonidos de Miami by Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona, where the city’s musical past, present, and future will collide in a groundbreaking, unforgettable experience. Tickets here.
All photos by Valerie Chaparro.
