American conductor Na'Zir McFadden is acclaimed for dynamic performances that honor tradition while embracing new perspectives. Praised for his “great conducting technique and energetic podium presence” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) and “rhythmic vitality and naturally expressive nuances” (Boston Classical Review), he brings fresh dimension to the classics while championing contemporary and underrepresented voices.

Beginning in the 2025/26 season, McFadden will serve as Assistant Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony. He previously held positions as Assistant Conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2022 to 2025.

Recent highlights include conducting Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait at Tanglewood on Parade with historian Heather Cox Richardson as narrator. In the season ahead, he makes his European debut with the Dresdner Philharmonie and returns to the Philadelphia Ballet to lead select performances of Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.