✦ Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
Dates: July 27 – August 10, 2025
Location: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, CA
🎟️ Tickets: www.cabrillomusic.org
Colorful & Courageous: Cabrillo Festival Announces Its 2025 Season of Sonic Brilliance
For over six decades, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music has been a beacon for bold orchestral innovation — and in 2025, it returns with a kaleidoscopic season titled Colorful & Courageous, honoring the full spectrum of identity, sound, and story.
Taking place July 27 through August 10, 2025, this Santa Cruz–based festival features:
3 World Premieres
5 West Coast Premieres
4 Festival Commissions
9 Composers in Residence
7 Guest Artists
A dynamic return of Creative Lab, and a special tribute to 50 Years of Santa Cruz Pride
Music Director Cristian Măcelaru and special guest conductor Daniela Candillari lead a brilliant Festival Orchestra through five major concerts. Highlights include new works by Jake Heggie (with text by Taylor Mac), Darian Donovan Thomas, Stacy Garrop, and Tyson Gholston Davis, alongside powerful performances by violinist Jennifer Koh, saxophonist Tim McAllister, and mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz.
🎶 Season Themes & Highlights
💡 LUMINA (Aug 1)
Works by John Corigliano, Nina Shekhar, and Missy Mazzoli’s Procession (WCP) with Jennifer Koh.
🌈 CHASING LIGHT (Aug 2)
Features the world premiere of Stacy Garrop’s Frederick and Susan B., Julia Wolfe’s Pretty (WCP), and works by Rene Orth and Aleksandra Vrebalov.
🎻 FAMILY CONCERT (Aug 3)
A free, joyful afternoon of music with Sleepover at the Museum and Xhnisa, plus a hands-on “Tour of the Orchestra.”
🌟 BECOMING (Aug 9)
Lou Harrison’s legendary Violin Concerto with Percussion Orchestra, Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s CATAMORPHOSIS (WCP), and a Creative Lab world premiere by Darian Donovan Thomas.
🎤 RISING (Aug 10)
A vibrant finale featuring Adolphus Hailstork’s Saxophone Concerto (WCP), Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain Suite, and the world premiere of Jake Heggie and Taylor Mac’s Good Morning, Beauty.
✧ What Makes Cabrillo Unique?
Composer-led programming — with living composers shaping and attending performances
Innovative partnerships — such as a side-by-side youth performance with El Sistema Santa Cruz
Deep community engagement — including free open rehearsals, family events, and panel discussions
Creative Lab — a composer-driven reimagining of the orchestral experience
As Executive Director D. Riley Nicholson shares, “We’re breaking down barriers — building an inclusive future where everyone belongs in orchestral music.”
🧡 Celebrating 50 Years of Santa Cruz Pride
With deep roots in queer artistry, the Festival honors its history by spotlighting LGBTQIA composers and collaborators, from the legacy of Lou Harrison to the contemporary brilliance of Taylor Mac, Jennifer Higdon, and Darian Donovan Thomas.
🎟️ Tickets & Info
Individual concert tickets range from $24–$92; full subscriptions available.
Many events — including the Family Concert, lectures, and open rehearsals — are free.
For full details and to join the mailing list: www.cabrillomusic.org or call (831) 426-6966.
Box Office: Tues–Fri, 12–4pm at 307 Church Street, Downtown Santa Cruz.
Learn more about John Corigliano here.