Attended the Borscht Film Festival event Coral Orgy hosted at the New World Symphony on a Friday evening. It was a night of film, technology, and music that transformed the venue itself into a living work of art.
Quality
New World Symphony is a gorgeous modern performing arts venue that is housed just a block off Lincoln Road. I have attended several WALLCAST Concert series and I really assumed my first visit inside would be for a symphony. Instead I ended up at an event that was much different. In combination with the Borscht Film Festival, the New World Symphony was completely transformed into a living world. The white walls broadcasted trippy videos and nature films showing coral, as several different ambient and noise pop bands played to their movements. Virtual realty stations, DJs, modern opera singers, and a lights show made it a one of a kind experience.
Quantity
The main headliner Animal Collective drew a good sized crowd, but there was plenty of space to roam around. The signature event took place in the main area and there were lots of seats available, partly thanks to folks using beanbags and sleeping bags to enjoy the view from the floor.
Value
Depending on what you are coming to New World Symphony to see the tickets will range in price considerably. This event was reasonably priced, but drinks inside were a bit expensive.
Ambiance
New World Symphony is located on Miami Beach just a block off Lincoln Road. The outside is an impressive structure that is very sleek and modern. It is a massive white building and uses a large about of glass near the main entrance. Once inside there is a maze of different hallways that open up to small performance spaces and then the primary hall. The blank white walls worked amazingly for this event as they were perfect for projecting different images on. The sound quality was incredible and synchronized great, as the show required certain sounds and music in each area while not imposing on the next section. I spent the most time in the main hall, which in addition to having a standard symphony setup also has three massive overhead walls. On this evening they were showing the different art films, but I could also imagine them showing close ups of the musicians or backgrounds.
Crowd
It was a trippy indie arts festival and the crowd was exactly what you would expect. Young, hipster, and probably a few people a bit too messed up. However, it really worked out great as the enthusiasm and the belief in the art made for a better experience.
Service
It definitely was not the normal staff working the building and you could tell. Confusion about where to go and when people were going to perform were widespread problems. Lines formed in places where there was nothing at the end, and the staff were not helpful about preventing them. It really was the only true issue with the event.
Parking
Just a short walk north is a municipal garage with cheap parking. You can absolutely look for street parking, but the garage is the best bet in this area.
Extra
The event that I went to at New World Symphony was without question one of a kind. But it was an excellent showcase of the venue, as I ended up exploring more areas than I would for a typical show. It is a beautiful modern venue and it has great acoustics, so I would not hesitate to come back for another show. read more