This season’s superstar conductors have led the most acclaimed orchestras in the U.S. and the world, and join us in Santa Barbara to conduct the brilliant fellows that comprise the Academy Festival Orchestra. Our most popular series is back.

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Academy Festival Orchestra: Strauss & Tchaikovsky

Granada Theatre

Have you ever wanted to hear from a conductor about how they put a program together and what you should listen for?

This is your rare opportunity to hear directly from our Academy Festival Orchestra conductors about each concert. Enjoy wine or beer and light snacks while the conductors share their stories and welcome you to ask questions.

Meet the Conductor: Hannu Lintu

Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery

If you love shows like “American Idol” but wish there was a classical version – we have an event for you. In this performance competition, a panel of legendary artists weigh in on competing voice and vocal piano fellows. The stakes are high, with the winners’ package including a cash prize, recital opportunities, and a commission by notable composer Joel Thompson. And you have a front row seat.

Marilyn Horne Song Competition

Music Academy of the West

What could be more delightful than pre-concert picnic in the gorgeous Academy gardens? This series features our most fellow driven music. Fellows choose their own works for the program, put together their own ensembles, and share for your listening pleasure. Bring your own picnic and take a seat at the tables before the concert starts, for a lively summer social event!

Picnic Concert #5

Imagine as an aspiring tennis pro, you get an hour on the court with Venus Williams or Rafael Nadal. Or, as an early career golf talent, hitting the links with Tiger Woods? x2 is the classical music version of this dream – realized before a live audience. This unique series features our Academy Artists paired with the brilliant 2023 fellows – the energy is explosive as emerging talents dance with legends.

x2: Jake Heggie & Brahms Piano Quintet

These world-class pianists navigate the keyboard with unparalleled skill, creating an unforgettable performance that will leave you in awe.

Solo Piano Showcase

Meet the Conductor: Osmo Vänskä

From Carnegie Hall to Hahn Hall, violin phenomenon Elena Urioste takes the stage with Tom Poster on piano.

Elena Urioste

Our most accessibly priced series gives audiences a glimpse into our fellows’ journey to classical greatness. It’s an opportunity to observe a one-on-one teaching session between teaching artist and fellow.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass: Sasha Cooke

If you love shows like “American Idol” but wish there was a classical version – we have an event for you. In the final round of this performance competition, a panel of legendary artists weigh in on competing collaborative piano and instrumental fellows. The stakes are high, with the winners’ package including a cash prize, recital opportunities, and a commission by notable composer Derek Bermel. And you have a front row seat.

Duo Competition

Meet the Conductor: JoAnn Falletta

This season’s superstar conductors have led the most acclaimed orchestras in the U.S and the world, and join us in Santa Barbara to conduct the brilliant fellows that comprise the Academy Festival Orchestra. Our most popular series is back.

Academy Festival Orchestra: Symphonic Dances

Picnic Concert #4

Solo Piano Masterclass: Conor Hanick II

Experience a cabaret set circa 1979, Laurel Canyon. This unique vocal journey features music from the legendary singer-songwriters of that iconic era.

Cabaret: 1979

Long ago, small groups of classical musicians entertained nobility in the elegant salons where they held court. The music was designed for the space – intimate, inviting, elegant in every detail.

Today, modern audiences can partake in this experience in a less formal setting, with a series of exquisite chamber concerts, each preceded by a wine reception.

Chamber Night #5: Dohnányi & Schumann

It’s the latest experience from our years long partnership. Five visiting principals from the London Symphony Orchestra deliver a taste of the classics from across the pond.

LSO Chamber Showcase

Our famed SING! children’s choir joins forces with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City – an innovative program that has become the model for children’s choruses around the world. See how pairing with the “Chorus of the World” takes our SING!ers to the next level.

Young People’s Chorus of New York City & Sing!

Lobero Theatre

What happens when you get 3 cellos on a stage? How about 4? 8? Or even 12? Take advantage of a unique opportunity to hear complex, challenging, and masterful pieces that can only be played with a veritable choir of cellos.

Cello Fest

Picnic Concert #3: Samuel Carl Adams’ Études

Finalists compete for $10,000 in prizes to support their entrepreneurial efforts, in the performing arts and beyond. An industry leading panel of judges weighs in on the pitches, and the audience casts their votes as well. Be the first to hear the fresh thinking and new ideas that will change the classical world as we know it.

Fast Pitch Competition

The right collaborative piano performance can take a great piece to another level. In this event, brilliant pianists partner with other musicians to bring classical melonies, harmonies, and ryhthms together in a breathtaking performance.

Collaborative Piano Showcase

x2: Sundial & Dvořák’s String Quintet No. 2

Solo Piano Masterclass: Samuel Carl Adams

Chamber Night #4: Schreker to Shostakovich

Rich and complex pieces from Schubert and Messaien showcase a multitude of instruments, including violin, piano, clarinet, and cello.

Teaching Artists Showcase: Quartet for the End of Time

Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass: John Churchwell

The time: 2011. The place: Brooklyn, New York. This is the setting for this unique vision of Puccini’s most famous opera. A time of restless energy, and a spirit of protest that led to Occupy Wall St. It’s a La bohème unlike any you’ve ever seen.

Puccini's La bohème

Solo Piano Masterclass: Conor Hanick I

Imagine as an aspiring tennis pro, you get an hour on the court with Venus Williams or Rafael Nadal. Or, as an emerging golf talent, hitting the links with Tiger Woods? x2 is the classical music version of this dream – realized before a live audience. This unique series features our Academy Artists paired with the brilliant 2023 fellows – the energy is explosive as emerging talents dance with legends.

x2: Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3

Chamber Night #3: Prokofiev & Mendelssohn

Academy teaching artist and Chairman of Juilliard’s collaborative piano department Jonathan Feldman shares the stage with Mosher guest artist Augustin Hadelich – a violinist who has played with virtually every major orchestra in the U.S. and the world.

Augustin Hadelich & Jonathan Feldman

Experience Puccini’s most famous opera in concert in the acoustic gem of Hahn Hall.

roles performed by the covers (understudies) for the mainstage performance

La bohème in Concert

Meet the Conductor: Anthony Parnther

Academy Festival Orchestra: Shostakovich & Suite from “Psycho”

Picnic Concert #2

Solo Piano Masterclass: Jeremy Denk II

There’s nothing like the moving power of a perfectly delivered aria, and here it is delivered through a wide range of exceptional voices.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Studio Artists Showcase

x2: Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet

Arts criticism is a threatened medium, with many major newspapers eliminating this function. New Yorker music critic and Mosher Guest Artist Alex Ross leads a discussion on the state of this vitally important genre, and how it must evolve to survive.

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle and Carolina Miranda, Los Angeles Times

Critics Roundtable

Chamber Night #2: Mozart, Poulenc & Ravel

Our brilliant teaching artists pair pianos with unexpected instruments, from oboe, to bass, to cello, to yes, another piano.

Teaching Artists Showcase: Mozart & Rachmaninoff

Academy Festival Orchestra: The Planets

If you love shows like “American Idol” but wish there was a classical version – we have an event for you. In this performance competition, a panel of legendary artists weigh in on competing solo piano fellows. The stakes are high, with the winner’s package including a cash prize, recital opportunities, and a commission by notable composer Anthony Cheung. And you have a front row seat.

Solo Piano Competition

Our masterclasses give audiences a glimpse into our fellows’ journey to classical greatness. It’s an opportunity to observe a one-on-one teaching session between teaching artist and fellow.

Trumpet Masterclasses

x2: Brahms Piano Quartet

Harp Masterclasses

Chamber Night #1: Mozart, Brahms & MTT

Horn Masterclasses

Lehrer Vocal Institute Masterclass: Martin Katz

Academy artist Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists. Winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, and the Avery Fisher Prize, Denk was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Denk returns frequently to Carnegie Hall and in recent seasons has appeared with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Cleveland Orchestra, as well as on tour with Academy St. Martin in the Fields, and at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms.

Jeremy Denk in Recital

Academy Festival Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique

Have you ever wanted to hear from a conductor about how they put a program together and what you should listen for?

This is your rare opportunity to hear directly from our Academy Festival Orchestra conductors about each concert. Enjoy wine and light snacks while the conductors share their stories and welcome you to ask questions.

Meet the Conductor: Stéphane Denève

Viola Masterclasses

Oboe Masterclasses

Our most accessibly priced series gives audiences a glimpse into our fellows’ journey to classical greatness. It’s an opportunity to observe a one-on-one teaching session between teaching artist and fellow

Solo Piano Masterclass: Jeremy Denk I

Multi-grammy winning opera star Ana Maria Martinez and renowned pianist César Cañón present an immersion into Spanish song, culture, and dance performed by the brilliant vocal fellows. The flamenco performance of Manuel Gutierrez, who Figaro called “incredibly explosive” is not to be missed.

Una Noche En Miraflores

Bassoon Masterclasses

x2: Ana María Martínez & Takács Quartet

Double Bass Masterclasses

Cello Masterclasses

Flute Masterclasses

Trombone & Tuba Masterclasses

Collaborative Piano Masterclasses

Percussion Masterclasses

Violin Masterclasses

Clarinet Masterclasses

Acting as a compass for exceptional talent, the Music Academy has assembled a roster of all-star artists. Katrina Agate, Chas Barnard, Shirley Kim, Jennifer Kloetzel, Noah Seng-Hui Koh, Marcie Kolacki, Maki Kubota, and Emma Lee will perform in a variety of ensembles with a sultry sound.

Mariposa Concert: Alumni All-Star Cello Choir

This finale performance highlights Lehrer Vocal Institute fellows in curated selections. Plus, orchestral favorites the William Tell Overture and The Pines of Rome.

Speranza Scappucci William Tell Overture and The Pines of Rome.

Before the concert, bring your own picnic and be seated at tables among the gorgeous Academy gardens. These lively concerts are popular social events!

Picnic Concert Series: 5

The Mosher guest artist concerts are generously supported by the Mosher Foundation

Mosher Guest Artists Concert Series: Jessie Montgomery

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows. Featuring a piece by guest composer Christopher Cerrone.

x2 Series: Franz Schubert Quintet in C Major

Picnic Concert Series: 4

The originally devised cabaret of thrilling music+theater that transports audiences to 1922 in an original story inspired by the politically charged Weimar German Republic and Berlin cabaret culture. The production uses the hall’s new 2022 upgrades of enhanced video and lighting technology, generously funded by the Hind Foundation.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Series: Hahn Hall 1922-2022 An Original Cabaret

A new chamber music curriculum pairing fellows with Academy artists for intensive coachings results in five unique evening concerts. Each event stars the fellows in a curated program of full-length masterworks to music of the 21st century.
As a part of the experience, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine during the performance.

Chamber Night: Brahms & Bartók

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows.

x2 Series: Anton Arensky String Quartet No. 2

The Mosher guest artist concerts are generously supported by the Mosher Foundation.

Mosher Guest Artists Concert Series: Susanna Phillips

Picnic Concert Series: 3

Chamber Night: Schubert's Auf dem Strom

In this showcase concert, composer-in-residence Molly Joyce stars in a program of her own works, completed with a world premiere performed by Academy fellows.

Showcase Series: Molly Joyce & Academy Fellows

Chamber Night: Piano Spotlight

Based on Pushkin’s classic novel brought to life with some of the most romantic music ever written. Conducted by Daniela Candillari and directed by Peter Kazaras.

Lehrer Vocal Institute Series: Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin

Picnic Concert Series: 2

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows. Featuring Mosher guest artist Augustin Hadelich

x2 Series: Antonín Dvořák Quintet “The American”

Works by Angélica Negrón, Kendall Williams, Jason Treuting, and a World Premiere by Robyn Cee Kay Jacobs.

Mosher Guest Artists Concert Series: Sō Percussion

Picnic Concert Series: Jeremy Denk

Featuring Academy artists in works by Brahms, Copland, and Grieg.

Showcase Series: Faculty Artists Concert 2

Chamber Night: Chansons & Meditations

Each concert in this new series takes the audience down a different path. In this showcase concert, Lehrer Vocal Institute fellows perform works by composer-in-residence Tom Cipullo.

Showcase Series: The Music of Tom Cipullo

The famed pianist will perform "the Well-Tempered Clavier" in its entirely.

Special Event: Jeremy Denk in Recital

Chamber Night: Mendelssohn To Marsalis

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows. Starring alumna mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke in a World Premiere by Tom Cipullo

x2 Series: Johannes Brahms Piano Trio No. 1

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary with an epic Community Concert! All tickets only $10, and kids FREE with a ticketed adult.

Community Concert

Santa Barbara Bowl

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary with an epic Community Concert! Generous support has been provided in remembrance of Léni Fé Bland.

75th Anniversary Community Concert

Academy artists paired with the brilliant 2022 fellows. Featuring the Takács Quartet.

x2 Series: Mendelssohn Octet with Takács Quartet

Each concert in this new series takes the audience down a different path. Featuring String Quartet Seminar fellows in a program of Beethoven and Bartók.

Showcase Series: Fellows’ String Quartets Concert

The concert will feature Academy alumnae Met Opera star Isabel Leonard collaborating with LA Opera’s Nino Sanikidze, who will mesmerize the audience with their showstopping performance. Ms. Leonard will be presented with the Academy’s highest artistic honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award. Join us and enjoy this momentous occasion in the Music Academy’s history.

75th Anniversary Signature Benefit

Each concert in this new series takes the audience down a different path. Featuring Solo Piano fellows.

Showcase Series: Solo Piano Concert

The acclaimed quartet in residence will perform works by Haydn, Coleridge-Taylor, and Dvořák.

Special Event: Takács Quartet Concert

Enjoy a fun concert performed by the Sing! Children’s Chorus, representing over 30 Santa Barbara elementary schools. All attendees are welcome to join the choristers for a post-concert reception on Towbes Court.

Music Academy of the West

Aug 5, 2023

Academy Festival Orchestra: Strauss & Tchaikovsky

Aug 5, 2023

Meet the Conductor: Hannu Lintu

Aug 4, 2023

Marilyn Horne Song Competition

Aug 4, 2023

Picnic Concert #5

Aug 3, 2023

x2: Jake Heggie & Brahms Piano Quintet

Music Academy of the West

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