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The Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the dynamic leadership of Gustavo Dudamel in his 17th and final season as Music & Artistic Director of the orchestra, opens CAMA’s 107th season with a program of explosive energy and groundbreaking masterpieces. The concert begins with the West Coast premiere of John Adams’s Frenzy, a work described by the composer as exploring “agitation or disorder of the mind, likened to madness,” reflecting the tumultuous nature of the modern world. This LA Phil commission promises a thrilling start to the evening. The program then delves into the revolutionary world of Igor Stravinsky with the magic of the 1919 Suite from The Firebird, a work that catapulted Stravinsky to international fame, and culminates with the composer’s The Rite of Spring, a ballet score so radical in its rhythmic complexity and primal force that it caused a riot at its 1913 premiere.

The renowned Philharmonia Orchestra, London returns to CAMA for the first time since 2019, under the baton of its dynamic new Principal Conductor, Finnish Maestro Santtu-Matias Rouvali for an epic program of powerful national voices and symphonic masterpieces. The concert opens with Sibelius’s Finlandia, a stirring anthem of Finnish national pride and resilience, followed by the composer’s Symphony No. 5, a work of majestic beauty and profound emotional depth, culminating in its iconic “swan hymn” finale. The second half of the program features Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Written in response to political pressure in Soviet Russia, the symphony was a “triumphal success” at its 1937 premiere, receiving an ovation that lasted over half an hour. The symphony’s dramatic arc continues to resonate with audiences today, raising questions about artistic freedom and the role of the artist in society.

Acclaimed Canadian pianist Louis Lortie graces the Lobero stage with a captivating all-Ravel program. Known for his exquisite touch, profound musicality, and insightful interpretations, Lortie is a master of the French repertoire. This intimate recital offers a journey through the evocative sound world of Maurice Ravel, from the delicate beauty of Pavane pour une infante défunte and the sparkling virtuosity of Jeux d’eau to the haunting imagery of Gaspard de la nuit and the swirling intensity of La valse. Experience the full range of Ravel’s genius, from impressionistic landscapes to dazzling displays of pianistic brilliance, in this unforgettable evening of solo piano music.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Santa Barbara once again under the baton of its esteemed Music Director Emeritus for Life, Riccardo Muti. For more than five decades, Maestro Muti has been a commanding presence on the world’s concert stages, shaping the sound of leading orchestras and opera houses as one of the last of the great Italian maestros in the tradition of Toscanini. The program features two pinnacle masterworks, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and then Maurice Ravel’s Boléro with its mesmerizing orchestral crescendo that builds from a quiet whisper to perhaps the most most thrilling climax of the symphonic repertoire.

Seven-time Grammy® Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax, renowned for his poetic lyricism and brilliant technique, returns to Masterseries with a program of piano masterpieces including works by Chopin, showcasing Ax’s profound affinity for this composer. A Juilliard-trained pianist who launched his international career with a victory at the First Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 1974, Ax received the Avery Fisher Prize in 1979. He is also a dedicated chamber musician, frequent collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma, and a champion of contemporary composers. His extensive discography spans from the Classical era to the present day, reflecting a broad and deep engagement with the piano repertoire.

Celebrate Carnivale with the Venice Baroque Orchestra, led by violinist Gianpiero Zanocco. This program, titled A Venetian Duel of Bows, transports audiences to 18th-century Venice, showcasing the virtuosity and rivalry of the city’s great violinists. The program features concertos and sonatas by Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini, and Locatelli, highlighting the dazzling technical displays and expressive melodies that characterized the Venetian Baroque style. Zanocco, who has been a member of the Venice Baroque Orchestra since 2003 and currently serves as its First Violin Shoulder, brings a deep understanding of the Venetian Baroque tradition and a remarkable technical command to this performance. This concert promises to be a vibrant and spirited celebration of Venetian musical heritage and of Venice’s Carnivale—with Venetian masks encouraged!

The Sphinx Virtuosi, a dynamic self-conducted chamber orchestra comprised of 18 accomplished Black and Latinx artists, returns to CAMA with a program titled Visions of Peace. Featuring acclaimed violinist Randall Goosby, the concert explores themes of resilience, peace, and shared humanity through a diverse range of musical voices. The Sphinx Virtuosi are celebrated for their “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty” (The Washington Post) and their commitment to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Fabio Luisi, concludes CAMA’s International Series with a program of Romantic masterpieces. The concert features the renowned pianist (and local favorite) Hélène Grimaud performing Schumann’s Piano Concerto, a work of passionate lyricism and dramatic intensity. The program concludes with Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, a work that journeys from earthly concerns to celestial visions. Soprano Sofia Fomina joins the orchestra for the final movement, a setting of a poem from Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Youth’s Magic Horn). This performance promises a powerful and uplifting conclusion to CAMA’s 107th concert season!