“A sonically spell-binding experience”
— Billboard
“A chamber orchestra for the 21st century”
— The New York Times
“Fiery, captivating, and refreshingly original”
— Saratoga Living
Jacomo Bairos is a conductor renowned for his innovative approach, electrifying artistry, and visionary programming that reshapes the symphonic experience. As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Miami’s groundbreaking Nu Deco Ensemble, Bairos leads the genre-defying chamber orchestra that merges classical music with a wide range of styles, composers and guest artists. Through vibrant, immersive performances, Nu Deco pushes the boundaries of what a modern orchestra can be, captivating audiences worldwide. Described as “sonically spellbinding” by Billboard and a “21st-century chamber orchestra” by The New York Times, Nu Deco has redefined the orchestra’s role through imaginative programming, deep community engagement, and 14 album releases, including Duende, a collaboration with Sony Masterworks. Together, these works have amassed millions of streams and views globally.
Praised in the press as “thrilling,” “world-class,” and "inspirational,” Bairos’ work is marked by riveting performances, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to innovation. His programming blends relevance with excitement, appealing to seasoned classical audiences while attracting new and diverse listeners. Whether collaborating with Grammy-winning artists like Jon Batiste, Wyclef Jean, Angelique Kidjo, and Jacob Collier, or juxtaposing classical masterworks with compositions by living composers, Bairos infuses fresh energy into each performance, resonating deeply with today’s audiences.
Bairos is passionate about forging connections through music. He regularly commissions and collaborates with award-winning cross-genre musicians such as Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, and PJ Morton, while also performing, recording, and commissioning new works for classical luminaries like J’Nai Bridges, Will Liverman, Anthony McGill, and Jennifer Koh.
Education is central to Bairos’ mission. As an advocate for youth engagement, he leads Nu Deco NXT, the ensemble’s youth orchestra, incorporating mindfulness and wellness protocols into their artistic development. His commitment to education extends to orchestras worldwide, including tours and festivals with Jong Metropole and previous collaborations with Jovem Orquestra Portuguesa.
During his tenure as Music Director of the Amarillo Symphony (2013–2021), Bairos presided over unprecedented artistic and fiscal growth. He implemented numerous community initiatives, established composer residencies, launched young composer programs with West Texas-A&M, commissioned 17 new works, and developed impactful outreach projects such as Class Act and Symphony Kids, and created the highly successful Happy Holiday Pops series
A frequent guest conductor with leading orchestras, including the Baltimore, Atlanta, San Francisco, St. Loius and National Symphonies, Boston Pops, and the Netherlands’ Metropole Orkest with whom he embarked on multiple recording projects culminating in a six-city European tour in 2024. Bairos is celebrated for his dynamic performances and his ability to bridge classical and contemporary music in exciting ways. This season features debuts with the Naples Philharmonic and the Boca Symphonia, alongside return engagements with the Metropole Orkest.
A Juilliard-trained tuba player, Bairos has performed with prestigious ensembles like the New York Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and has toured and recorded with the Cincinnati Symphony. He later studied conducting at the Peabody Institute with Gustav Meier and Marin Alsop, as well as at the Aspen Music Festival under his mentor Robert Spano.
In Miami, Bairos leads mindfulness and wellness workshops, offers online meditations, and volunteers as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami. He also hosts “Nu Deco Unfiltered,” a podcast featuring conversations with dynamic musical artists, trailblazing composers, and forward-thinking industry leaders. In 2024, Bairos began producing his first solo project with Miami DJ and producer Fabio Garlarce of Dude Skywalker, set to release in winter 2025. Bairos is both a Chopra-certified meditation instructor and an RYT 200 Yoga Alliance teacher.
Bairos divides his time between Miami Beach, Florida, and Lisbon, Portugal, continually seeking new ways to inspire and connect through music.