2025 Program Guide | Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT MESSAGES Thank you for joining us for our 63rd season—part of a six-decade+ legacy of impact on new music that I am highly honored to help continue to thrive. The “Colorful & Courageous” season moniker is an important nod to a significant community milestone—50 years of LGBTQAI Pride in Santa Cruz. That’s a half-century of bold, vibrant voices who not only acted out of courage for themselves but also for their friends, family, and loved ones, exercising their human imperative to love one another and demand the freedom to be their authentic selves. It is fitting for us to honor this milestone. The breakthrough accomplishments of our Co-founder Lou Harrison and Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop, both proud trailblazers who are now seen as new music icons, and countless other queer artists past and present have been foundational to the Festival itself—we owe our very existence to artists who have been bold in their artistry, advocacy, and authenticity. No matter how an artist identifies, the very act of creation is an exceptionally vulnerable and courageous act. For decades, Festival audiences have witnessed artists speaking their truths to the world around them, whether in a piece about a timely social issue, a dive into history, or an abstract piece that expresses a deep emotional or intellectual truth. The Festival has an extraordinarily colorful past of presenting artists who are unafraid to share authentically, and that continues to be the guiding star of our present and future. None of this is possible without a dedicated community of artists and audiences. Yes, the act of creation is cathartic and beautiful on its own, but like human experiences of joy, celebration, heartbreak, struggle, (and even food!)— the experiential value is amplified exponentially by the act of sharing. No matter who you are, if you are joining us you are part of this incredible, ephemeral, yet deeply impactful experience of music making. And we will continue to need this community in the coming years as we protect our hearts & spirits, our joy & creativity, and our rights & bodies. Thank you for joining us and being part of our cherished, creative, contemporary community. D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director As we create the 63rd chapter in the Cabrillo Festival story, we honor the pioneers who came before us, charting the vision, building the legacy, and expanding the very idea of what an orchestra can be when given the freedom to explore alongside the most innovative composers in the world. This is a marvelous and ambitiously creative story that continues to this day. But the story goes far beyond the display of artistry in the concert hall. Let me take a moment to recognize the incredible magic that happens offstage—the great work performed by the extended Cabrillo Festival community who make the music possible. At the center is the Festival’s talented Staff, both year-round and seasonal employees; our dedicated Board of Directors; the extraordinary team of volunteers who enhance the Festival experience for everyone; and the wonderful hosts who welcome our artists into their homes each Festival season. Completing this community are the patrons and donors who give so generously that we all may enjoy the magic of the music. Ours is a remarkable community dedicated to excellence, and I applaud every one of you for your valuable contributions. We can only do what we do by working and celebrating together. Let the beat go on. Jim Petersen, Board President