Dennis Alves: Music is Everything, and Everything is Music

From Leading the Boston Pops since the late 80’s to raising funds to support artists who lost all their work during the pandemic, Dennis Alves is an elevated leader in our field whose integrity, empathy, and desire to give his audiences amazing experiences,  transcends music and permeates everything he does at Symphony Hall in Boston. His compassion for artists, musicians, conductors and his community at home, inspires him to “just do the job” of bringing the highest levels of orchestral art, collaborations and genre-bending music to his New England community. This conversation is absolutely amazing! If you like orchestra lore,  behind the scenes stories, and insights to the history of this incredible institution as much as I do, then you re going love this podcast! His words are incredible insightful, super fun, and full of wisdom. For those who lead organizations and wish to learn from one of the industries absolute best, this podcast will certainly give you much food for thought. Dennis breaks apart his humble beginnings, guides us through his journey from trumpet player and substitute member of the Boston Symphony and Pops, to ultimately taking the reins of the Boston symphony and guiding its transition from John Williams to Keith Lockhart. Stories about Gershwin, Arthur Fielder and lessons on how being and staying relevant to your audiences fills this  insightful dialogue. Plus, I’m just honored to have had this chance to speak Dennis, have Nu Deco receive his full encouragement and support, and finally share his beautiful words with you. 

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.