2024 Program Guide | Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

CABRILLO FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 9 PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGES BOARD PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGES D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director Thank you for joining us for our 2024 season, and thanks to all who have warmly welcomed me in my first year at the Festival. It is a distinct privilege to be part of this creative community and to lead the Festival. I am an arts administrator, but also a composer and newmusic practitioner—I am deeply invested in the success of the Festival and the vibrancy of the orchestral art form. Few other arts organizations (if any!) in the U.S. have such a deep history and sharp focus on new orchestral music. We continue to carve out a unique space in the field and challenge norms in what can often be a past-focused art form.  At a time when arts funding is significantly challenged and longtime systemic issues in orchestral music are rising to the surface, our decades-long mission is ever more crucial. We are and must continue to be the bold leaders in centering the most vibrant voices of today, creating an inclusive space for true collaboration, creativity, and community. We must continually challenge perceptions and ask questions about what the art form is and who the art form serves. The answer to these questions is never static; it evolves each year, and our music moves along with it. We believe that presenting music of our time doesn't make it unapproachable but rather more approachable, as our contemporary stories resonate with their timeliness and urgency.  Decade over decade, you, our audiences, have been a vital part of this creative endeavor. Your belief in our mission and your continued support, whether as volunteers, donors, ticket holders, or community partners, is truly remarkable. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all who have contributed. Your collective efforts create a space where artistic risk-taking is not just possible but celebrated and where artists can share their voices, powerfully bringing us all together through the process of creative expression.  commitment to fostering a vibrant community includes open rehearsals, educational talks, and the return of the cherished free Family Concert. We're also delighted to welcome D. Riley Nicholson as our new Executive Director. His leadership and passion for contemporary music promise to propel the Festival forward. In his first year, he has already demonstrated exceptional skill in taking responsibility for both the day-to-day activities of the Festival and the larger mission. We strive to be an agent of change, and that requires an audience willing to embrace the new. Your continued support makes this possible–thank you for your passion for contemporary music and for being an integral part of this creative community. May the music move you! WELCOME TOA SEASONOFMOVEMENT! On behalf of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music's Board of Directors, I extend a heartfelt welcome to our 62nd season. This year's theme, "Music as Movement," reflects the dynamic spirit not just of new music, but of the entire Festival. For decades, the Cabrillo Festival has championed the creation and performance of profound, relevant, and innovative music. This commitment compels us to embrace change, seek out new voices, and take artistic risks.  This season is no exception as we push boundaries even further through the inaugural Creative Lab, a platform for innovative and immersive orchestral experiences and collaborations with visionary artists. In addition, we have 15 composers in residence, alongside four world premieres and nine West Coast premieres. Renowned guest artists will grace the stage under the esteemed leadership of our Music Director, Cristian Măcelaru. All of this is made possible by the talent of the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, a group of extraordinary professional musicians who gather annually to bring these new works to life. Beyond the main orchestra concerts, our Claire Schneeberger, Board President