Other visiting conductors include Bernard Labadie, Roberto Abbado, and Marin Alsop. Among the soloists on the schedule are pianist Orli Shaham, cellist Carter Brey, and soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson.
The NWS was founded in 1988 by Tilson Thomas. It provides three years of training for young orchestral musicians while performing a full season in Miami Beach and on tour. According to the orchestra, more than 95 percent of its alumni have gone on to positions with professional ensembles.