“This season will resoundingly demonstrate living music as movement – as our music, our stories, are never static. Each piece is a powerful testament to music as movement in many forms. We’ll present music that pushes the boundaries of orchestral sound, music that connects distant times and places, and music that powerfully represents physical, cultural, and social movements – the ever-changing stories that bind us all.”
—Cristi Măcelaru, Music Director/ Conductor
JULY 29-AUG 11, 2024
JOIN US FOR A SEASON TO REMEMBER! IT JUST WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU!
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2025:
JULY 27-AUG 10, 2025
Music moves us
Prepare to be moved by the 2024 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, where Music Director & Conductor, Cristian Măcelaru, and the intrepid festival orchestra give life to 4 world premieres, 9 West Coast debuts, with music by 15 Composers in Residence portraying powerful movements of change and showcasing music that moves beyond boundaries of place, time, style, and convention.
This year’s composers in residence are Karim Al-Zand, Clarice Assad, Lembit Beecher, Juan Pablo Contreras, Nathaniel Heyder, Pierre Jalbert, Daniel Kellogg, Vivian Fung, Helen Grime, Iván Enrique Rodríguez, Gabriella Smith, Greg Smith, Errollyn Wallen, Nina Young, and Bora Yoon. A work by Wynton Marsalis is also on the program. This year’s guest artists include Gabriel Cabezas on amplified cello, Leila Josefowicz on violin, Miriam Khalil as soprano, Karen Ouzounian on cello, Michael Sachs on trumpet, and Philippe Quint on violin.
At America’s longest-standing festival devoted to new music for orchestra, immerse yourself in unmatched access to the creative process through daily open rehearsals, in-person & streamed live online, composer forums, workshops, artist talks, and the return of our beloved free Family Concert. As well as the evening concerts, the Festival will continue to host multiple concerts spotlighting the work of emerging composers and artists.
Join us as we celebrate music’s ability to move us, connect us, and inspire change.
Read the press release with all the season details HERE.
Take a look at the 2024 season brochure HERE. 
THE 2024 SEASON calendar
MEETUPS, WORKSHOPS, EVENTS & COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
In addition to our “Music as Movement” programming, here are some special workshops, additional performances, and community partnerships!
7|29 & 8|1: Mindful Listening Workshop – Experience the transformative power of music through mindful listening led by Claire Schneeberger. Info and registration HERE.
8|4: Adventures in Musicland 11a– A free, pre-Family Concert craft and storytelling hour at Childish Toy Shop in Downtown Santa Cruz
8|5: Brazilian Drum and Dance Workshop – Learn the traditional Brazilian Baião rhythm with local expert Dandha Da Hora at the 418 Project. In advance of hearing Clarice Assad’s Baião ‘N Blues, learn both drum and dance components of this fun and uplifting rhythm. All skill levels welcome! Info and registration HERE.
8|11: Mariachi Tapatio and Esperanza del Valle – Traditional Mexican music and folklorico dance outside the Civic Auditorium after the season closer Mariachitlán by Juan Pablo Contreras.