OPEN REHEARSALS

You’re invited to discover what increasing numbers of Festival fans have already realized—Open Rehearsals are a dynamic precursor to the concerts themselves. As the community of conductors, musicians, and composers sculpt pieces for performances, you have the chance to watch the music come to life. These free events are now available in person and live-streamed to you anywhere! 

Wondering what to expect at an Open Rehearsal? Simply enter the auditorium and select your favorite seat! The atmosphere is relaxed, you are free to come and go, but please endeavor to be as quiet as possible, even when the artists are simply talking to each other. The orchestra appreciates your support during these important working sessions! Food and drink are not allowed in the Auditorium, outside of spill-proof water containers.

If you are viewing online please visit our YouTube Channel at any of the designated times. Thank you!

2026 Open Rehearsal Schedule

Please note: The names of the concerts being rehearsed are next to the times. All rehearsal times and programs are subject to change without notice. You can download this schedule HERE. 

Sunday, July 26 

7:00-9:30pm ON FREEDOM 
Glass: Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln” – Unable to Livestream due music licensing restrictions
Fung: America the Beautiful? 
Verduin: Forward (CC Workshop piece)
 

Monday, July 27 

2:30-5:00pm DEFIANT DREAMS 
Hennies: The Grain House
Lanzilotti: of light and stone
Verduin: Forward (CC Workshop piece)
 

Tuesday, July 28 

10:00am-12:30pm ON FREEDOM 
Glass: Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln” (w. soloist) – Unable to Livestream due music licensing restrictions
Pereira: Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (w. soloist)
Hughes: Happy Birthday New Orleans Jazz Band
 

 Wednesday, July 29 

10:00am-12:30pm DEFIANT DREAMS 
Hennies: The Grain House 
Lee III: Shades of Unbroken Dreams (w. soloist)
 
4:00-6:30pm Conductors Workshop 
The Festival Orchestra led in rotation by emerging conductors– the culmination of the Conductors Workshop.
 

Thursday, July 30 

2:30-5:00pm ON FREEDOM 
Fung: America the Beautiful? 
Pereira: Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (w. soloist)
Glass: Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln” (w. soloist) – Unable to Livestream due music licensing restrictions
 
Composer James Lee III in conversation with David Anthony III, Professor Emeritus of African History at UCSC
 
7:00-9:30pm DEFIANT DREAMS 
Lanzilotti: of light and stone 
Lee III: Shades of Unbroken Dreams (w. soloist)
Hennies: The Grain House
 

Wednesday, August 5 

10:00am-12:30pm CONTROL 
Dediu: Concerto for Orchestra
Ishizaki: Spin
 
2:30-5:00pm HOPE AS OUR BANNER 
Shepherd: Wanderlust
Kats-Chernin: Rainbow Promise
Lisa Bielawa: Pulse (w. soloist)
 

Thursday, August 6 

10:00am-12:30pm HOPE AS OUR BANNER 
Bielawa: Pulse (w. soloist)
Tanzil: Ascending Creatures
Shepherd: Wanderlust
Kats-Chernin: Rainbow Promise
 
2:30pm-5:00pm CONTROL 
Waters: Defending Greenwood
Assad: Kontrol (w. soloist)
Dediu: Concerto for Orchestra 
 

Friday, August 7

Composer Clarice Assad in conversation with Pranav Anand, Professor of Linguistics at UC Santa Cruz, The Humanities Institute + AI Initiative Faculty Director
 

2:30pm-5:00pm CONTROL 

Assad: Kontrol (w. soloist)
Waters: Defending Greenwood 
Ishizaki: Spin
Dediu: Concerto for Orchestra
 
7:00-9:30pm HOPE AS OUR BANNER 
Shepherd: Wanderlust
Dove: Barber Adagio for String (w. soloist)
Tanzil: Ascending Creatures

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