Pillars of the New World Symphony:
Ana and Neisen Kasdin
Wall Cast at the New World Symphony.
Undoubtedly one of this country’s most outstanding and remarkable musical assets is the New World Symphony (“NWS”) which Michael Tilson Thomas (“MTT”) has created to bring gifted players for three year residencies to prepare them to be orchestral players.
Michael Tilson Thomas. Photo: Art Streiber.
Formed in the late 1980s, the NWS will hold its GALA: 1000 on Saturday, March 12th at the New World Center to honor the thousand “fellows” who have matriculated through the New World Symphony. For the Gala, the Symphony will be conducted by Christian Reif, its conducting fellow, with five former NWS players who return to be soloists for the event. These alumni include Andrew Wickesberg, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Viola); Joseph Peters, Minnesota Orchestra (Principal Oboe); Rebekah Heller, International Contemporary Ensemble (Bassoon); Billy Hunter, Metropolitan Opera (Principal Trumpet); and Christopher McLaurin, Kansas City Symphony (Principal Percussion). They will join 87 current fellows on stage for a special performance before a seated dinner.
Malcolm McDowell.
Actor Malcolm McDowell will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the affair. McDowell is currently portraying a seasoned maestro competing with rising young talent in Amazon’s Golden Globe Award-winning comedic drama TV series “Mozart in the Jungle.”
Chairpersons for the event are Neisen and Ana Kasdin, who have been subscribers and ardent supporters since the NWS first played at the Lincoln Theater in 1990.
Neisen’s love for music was stimulated when he was a college student at Northwestern in Chicago. With a musician roommate, Neisen would attend Chicago Symphony concerts conducted by Georg Solti. The Symphony’s remarkable brass section and Solti’s Mahler left indelible impressions. Simply put, Neisen says he was “smitten.” His wife Ana, who taught young children at the Cushman School for twenty years also has been a great music lover.
Ana and Neisen Kasdin. Photo: Manny Hernandez
Over the years, Neisen’s support for the New World Symphony has been invaluable. As a Miami Beach City Commissioner from 1991-1997 and Mayor from 1997-2001, Neisen recognized the importance and value of the New World Symphony to Miami Beach. He vividly remembers a lunch meeting with Michael Tilson Thomas when MTT first explained his vision of building the concert hall that is now the New World Center.
The actual project, however, was initially delayed so as not to interfere with the building and opening of the Arsht Center.
After leaving his position as Mayor, Neisen joined the Board of the NWS and later served as Chairman of the Board from 2008-2012. During this period he was instrumental in the planning and building of the current New World Center and the adjacent public park. During Neisen’s term the organization’s annual budget grew from $8.6 million to $14 million and $160 million was secured for design and construction of the new campus. Not only was the Center completed on time and on budget, but new housing for the fellows was also secured. Today he continues to serve as a member of the Board and is a member of the Executive Committee.
Over the years, he feels that his involvement since leaving public office has been his most important and rewarding activity,
The community is lucky to have the Kasdins.
