The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music proudly announces its 2024 season opener, "PARADE," set to take place on Friday, August 2, at 8 PM at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This remarkable evening marks the beginning of the Festival's 62nd season, under the baton of Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, featuring the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra.

The concert will showcase an array of West Coast and World Premieres by contemporary composers, reflecting on themes of community, solitude, and the transformative power of storytelling. The program includes Vivian Fung's "Parade," inspired by the San Francisco Lunar New Year parade, capturing the essence of community amid solitude and reflecting on the journey from isolation to togetherness experienced during the pandemic. Helen Grime's Violin Concerto, featuring the virtuosic talents of Leila Josefowicz, offers a mesmerizing experience of contrasts in a single continuous movement. Nina Young's "Tread Softly," commemorating the centennial of the 19th Amendment, reflects on the Women’s Suffrage movement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality and representation. The evening will also feature the world premiere of Karim Al-Zand's "Al Hakawati" (The Storyteller), with soprano Miriam Khalil, exploring the essence of storytelling through scenes from an opera in progress.

The event begins with an outdoor Pre-Concert Talk by Music Director/Conductor Cristi Măcelaru and guests, offering insights into the evening's program. A special alfresco dinner, prepared by Sunny’s Catering, will be served outside the Civic Auditorium, with advance tickets required for the meal.

This opening night promises to be a celebration of contemporary music, bringing together exceptional artists and premieres that reflect on significant themes of our time. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a unique musical journey that sets the tone for the Cabrillo Festival's 2024 season.

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Parade 

Civic Auditorium Santa Cruz

Join us for an engaging and enlightening event at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music: "Meet the Composers." This much-anticipated gathering is scheduled for Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 1:30 pm, taking place at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. 

Under the moderation of Cristian Măcelaru, the esteemed Music Director and Conductor of the festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a panel discussion with a lineup of featured composers. This year, we are excited to welcome Stacy Garrop, Scott Ordway, Paola Prestini, and Iván Enrique Rodríguez to share their insights and experiences. 

The "Meet the Composers" event is designed to be both fun and informative, offering audience members the chance to participate in a Q&A session with these contemporary music luminaries. This is a free event, open to all without the need for tickets, making it an accessible way for the community and visitors to connect with the world of contemporary music.

In adherence to public health and safety guidelines, we will be requiring proof of full vaccination for all attendees, staff, and artists. Additionally, masking will be mandatory indoors at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone present. For those unable to attend in person or preferring to join remotely, a livestream option will be available, ensuring no one misses out on this exceptional dialogue.

For further details on how to access the livestream and to stay updated on any changes to the COVID policy or event details, we encourage you to join our mailing list. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the minds of some of today's most innovative composers at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

Meet the Composers

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music proudly announces its 2024 season, featuring an exhilarating lineup of world and West Coast premieres. Under the baton of Music Director Cristian Măcelaru, the festival continues its tradition of presenting groundbreaking works with a concert titled "Unbound," set to take place on Saturday, August 3, at 7 PM at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

This season's highlight includes the West Coast premiere of "The Golden Spike" by Daniel Kellogg, a piece commemorating the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad and its profound impacts. The festival is also thrilled to present the world premiere of "unbound: Phase 1" by Nathaniel Heyder, a work that marks a significant moment in Heyder's career and celebrates his receipt of the inaugural Emerging Black Composers Cabrillo Festival Prize.

Adding to the festival's rich tapestry of narratives, Lembit Beecher's "Tell Me Again" for cello, featuring virtuoso Karen Ouzounian, will have its West Coast premiere. This piece explores themes of immigration and heritage, drawing from Beecher's personal family history. The program is rounded out by Iván Enrique Rodríguez's world premiere of "Casting the Dice," a commissioned work that delves into the experiences of immigrants and refugees, narrated live by Rodríguez.

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music continues to be a beacon for new music, fostering a space for artistic and spiritual freedom through its support of emerging talents and commissioning of new works. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music that bridges histories, cultures, and personal stories, reflecting the unbound potential of contemporary composition.

Unbound

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music is thrilled to announce the return of its cherished free Family Concert, taking place on Sunday, August 4th at 1 PM at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, the festival welcomes back the talented composer Greg Smith with his delightful symphonic exploration titled "VIBE." Known for his family-friendly compositions, Smith's work has become a mainstay in the genre, with many of his previous works premiering on the Festival stage.

After a four-year hiatus, the Family Concert promises an engaging and interactive afternoon perfect for concertgoers of all ages. It's an ideal opportunity to introduce children to the magic of live music in a fun and interactive setting. Attendees will enjoy a "Tour of the Orchestra," where families can learn about different instruments directly from members of the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra.

Donations are vital to keep these educational programs thriving. Your generosity helps bring the joy of music to families who might not otherwise have access, nurturing a lifelong love of music in future generations. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates music, family, and community.

Family Concert

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music is thrilled to announce its Student Staff Program, a unique and enriching music education opportunity for young adults aged 16-24. This free program is designed to immerse participants in the world of contemporary music, offering them a chance to interact with exceptional musicians, renowned composers, and experience the avant-garde music that defines the Cabrillo Festival.

Under the guidance of Music Director Cristian Măcelaru, guest composers, and orchestra members, students will have the opportunity to delve into the dynamic new music presented at the festival. The program includes stimulating workshops covering professional development and career guidance, allowing participants to gain insights into the music industry.

For those interested in hands-on experience, the Student Staff Ensemble offers an invaluable opportunity for concert planning, preparation, and performance. Highlighting the program is the chance for students to present and perform a concert of original chamber works at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium during the festival season.

Program highlights include:
- Free admission to Cabrillo Festival performances, serving as ushers.
- Free workshops and discussions with world-class musicians.
- Opportunities to compose, perform, and/or conduct music for the Student Staff Ensemble concert.
- A variety of engaging social events.

Program requirements:
- Open to students aged 16-24 who are fully vaccinated (proof required).
- Participants must arrange their own housing and travel.
- Attendance at two mandatory orientations on Monday, June 13 at 10:30 am, and Saturday, July 23 at 10:30 am.
- Ushering at five Cabrillo Festival concerts.

The 2022 season of the Cabrillo Festival will run from July 23 to August 7. In line with CDC guidelines, the festival will implement safety protocols, including vaccination and boosting requirements for all musicians, artists, audience members, staff, hosts, and volunteers. Masking will be required indoors, and testing protocols may be implemented as necessary.

For young adults passionate about music, whether they are fans, beginners, intermediate, or advanced musicians, the Student Staff Program offers a profound experience in the contemporary music scene. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply through the provided interest form or call 831.426.6966 for more information.

Student Staff Program

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music proudly announces its 2024 season, featuring an exhilarating lineup that continues to push the boundaries of orchestral music. The highlight of the season is the "Creative Coast" event, set to take place on Saturday, August 10th, at 7 PM in the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This event marks the debut of the Cabrillo Festival’s Creative Lab, a groundbreaking initiative that grants composers curatorial control to reimagine the orchestral experience.

"Creative Coast" will showcase two remarkable artists: Gabriel Cabezas, known for his mastery of the amplified cello, and Bora Yoon, a visionary vocalist and sound artist. The evening will premiere two significant works. The first, "Lost Coast" by Gabriella Smith, features Gabriel Cabezas in a cello concerto that captures the raw beauty and emotional turmoil associated with California’s northern coastline and the broader implications of climate change. Described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as "high-voltage and wildly imaginative," Smith's music promises to deliver an unforgettable auditory and emotional journey.

The second highlight of the evening is the world premiere of "PARHELION" by Bora Yoon. This piece is a testament to the Creative Lab's mission, utilizing the unique architecture of the Civic Auditorium to create an immersive sonic experience that transcends traditional concert norms. Through the collaboration with multimedia and design experts Joshue Ott of Interval Studios and Visual Endeavors, Yoon's composition will blend sound and light in an innovative performance that explores themes of time, seasons, and cycles. The orchestral movements will not only contribute to the music but also generate dynamic projections and interactive graphics, offering the audience a captivating fusion of sound, light, and movement.

Under the leadership of Music Director Cristian Măcelaru, the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra will bring these compositions to life, demonstrating once again the festival's commitment to presenting cutting-edge contemporary music. The "Creative Coast" event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of orchestral music and the powerful ways it can communicate complex themes of beauty, loss, and transformation.

Subscriptions for the 2024 season are now available. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a unique musical experience that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the enduring power of contemporary music.

Creative Coast

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music proudly announces its grand finale event for the 2024 season, taking place on Sunday, August 11, at 7 PM at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This symphonic journey, titled "Passage," features an exhilarating lineup of guest artists and premieres that promise to captivate and inspire audiences.

Highlighting the evening is violin virtuoso Philippe Quint, who will grace the stage with his exceptional talent. The program includes the West Coast premieres of four remarkable compositions, each bringing its unique cultural and musical narratives to the forefront.

The concert kicks off with "Baião N Blues" by Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad. This piece is a vibrant fusion of the traditional Brazilian Baião rhythm and the soulful essence of American blues, showcasing Assad's flair for blending diverse musical genres.

Following this, Belize-born British composer Errollyn Wallen's "Violin Concerto" will make its West Coast debut. This concerto, a product of a years-long collaboration with Philippe Quint, is deeply personal, reflecting Quint's childhood memories and showcasing his technical prowess and emotional depth.

American composer Pierre Jalbert's "Passage," also receiving its West Coast premiere, pays a modern tribute to Beethoven's Fourth Symphony. Jalbert's composition is a journey through contrasting movements, bridging centuries and evoking a profound sense of the present.

The finale of the evening, "Mariachitlán" by Mexican composer Juan Pablo Contreras, transports the audience to the vibrant streets of Jalisco, Mexico. This piece is a celebration of mariachi music, infused with the spirit and traditions of the region, and promises to end the festival on a high note.

The Cabrillo Festival's grand finale, "Passage," is a testament to the power of contemporary music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people through the universal language of music. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of world-class performances and groundbreaking compositions.

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

Aug 2, 2024

Parade

Aug 3, 2024

Meet the Composers

Aug 3, 2024

Unbound

Aug 4, 2024

Family Concert

Aug 10, 2024

Student Staff Program

Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

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