This 2023 Cabrillo Festival season was one of unparalleled energy, dynamism, and celebration with music by some of the world’s greatest composers and its most renowned soloists. We presented three thrilling percussion concerti and a brand new concerto for violin and double bass! Two amazing weeks highlighted the Festival’s commitment to artistic excellence, discovery, and community. World, U.S., and West Coast premieres were plentiful, along with Festival commissions. An incredible program of works by 17 composers–14 of whom were in residence– was brought to life by Music Director and Conductor Cristian Măcelaru and our amazing Festival Orchestra. Audiences experienced the creative process almost daily through open rehearsals–enjoyed in-person at the Civic Auditorium or streamed live to wherever you were in the world! 

A roster of international guest artists includes percussionists Colin Currie, Beibei Wang, Svet Stoyanov, and Matthew Strauss; and violinist Eunice Kim joined composer/bassist extraordinaire Xavier Foley for his world premiere commission. This season also included a special memorial tribute to beloved Cabrillo Festival co-founder Robert Hughes who passed away in 2022; and a heartfelt send-off to longtime Executive Director Ellen Primack, who steps down from her role after 33 seasons.

IT WAS a season to remember!