Summer is just around the corner, and for classical music fans, that means one thing: festival season. Each summer, artists from all over the world flock to picturesque California communities to experience a unique blend of music-making, camaraderie and fun. Part artist’s retreat, intensive study and cultural tourism, festivals are a vital and vibrant way for artists and audiences alike to deeply engage in classical music, an art form that has lasted for centuries.
From June through August, California comes alive with festivals. No two are exactly alike, yet each shares one common thread: a love and respect for composers, musicians and the communities in which they are rooted. In every corner of the Golden state, there are opportunities to experience world-class performances and connect with the artists who bring these great works of art to life. The 13 festivals below (listed in chronological order) showcase a rich and impressive spectrum of music-making in delightful destinations.
Mainly Mozart, San Diego (June 2 – 18) – The 2016 Mainly Mozart Festival celebrates 28 years at the historic Balboa Theatre. An all-star orchestra of concertmasters and principal players from the nation’s premier orchestras, along with world-renowned soloists, perform under the baton of Music Director Michael Francis. The 2016 season launches a six-year exploration of Mozart’s life and works with the first chapter dedicated to “Prodigy.” A one-woman play dramatizing the life of Mozart’s sister, an early Mozart opera, chamber music, lectures on the music-brain connection, Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra performances and a free community play-along with the Festival Orchestra round out the Festival. Visit www.mainlymozart.org or call (619) 239 – 0100.
Ojai Music Festival, Ojai CA (June 9 – 12) – Appointed Music Director Peter Sellars’ vision for the milestone 70th Festival honors its long-held spirit of challenging audiences musically and intellectually. Highlights include American premieres by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho: La Passion de Simone (chamber version) and her dramatic creation Only the Sound Remains, a commissioned work by Pulitzer Prize-winning Caroline Shaw and the world premiere of Josephine Baker: A Personal Portrait. Considered a highlight of the international music summer season, the four-day festival is a complete immersive experience with concerts, free community events, symposia and gatherings in the idyllic setting of the Ojai Valley. Visit www.OjaiFestival.org or call (805) 646 – 2053.
Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara (June 13 – August 6) – The 69th Annual Summer School and Festival presents a rich mixture of masterclasses, recitals and concerts featuring 140 talented fellows and 60+ outstanding faculty. Mosher guest artists include flutist Emmanuel Pahud, baritone Thomas Hampson and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in a Festival Orchestra community concert, followed by Dvořák’s New World Symphony. The opera event of the summer will be a brand-new production of Smetana’s comedic masterwork, The Bartered Bride, conducted by Matthew Aucoin. Special events include a piano recital by Jeremy Denk, a concert by Takács Quartet, Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony conducted by New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert, and more. Visit www.musicacademy.org or call (805) 969 – 4726.
Music in the Mountains, Grass Valley (June 22 – July 3) – The 35th anniversary season features classical favorites and nationally renowned artists Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins and folk rock singer-songwriter Don McLean. Five conductors lead the Festival Orchestra and Chorus: Ryan Murray, Artistic Director Pete Nowlen, Jeffrey Reed, Lucinda Carver and David Lockington. Highlights include a Mozart marathon featuring the Mozart Piano Quartet in G Minor with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings and Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite and a program of Russian favorites including the 1812 Overture. Visit www.musicinthemountains.org or call (530) 265 – 6124.
Ventura Music Festival, Ventura (July 15 – 17 and July 22 – 24) – Now in its 22nd year, the Ventura Music Festival presents two weekends of top-ranked classical and contemporary performers. For 2016, the contemporary centerpiece is “Sergio Mendes: a celebration of 50 years of Brasil 66.” In other concerts, international cabaret star Ute Lemper presents her singular interpretations of Weill, Brecht and Piaf, piano duo sensations Anderson & Roe demonstrate why they have critics and audiences alike raving and piano virtuoso Vadym Kholodenko shows why he captured the Gold in the last Cliburn International. All of this plus Composers & the Movies, Tea & Trumpets and more, gives the audience great music in a beautiful coastal beach town. Visit www.VenturaMusicFestival.org or call (805) 648 – 3146.
The Mendocino Music Festival, Mendocino (July 9 – 23) – In its 30th season, this festival is held in the historical Mendocino Village overlooking the Pacific. The Festival presents jazz, world, opera, chamber music and more, but at its heart is the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Artistic Director Allan Pollack. Chamber music includes Calder Quartet and a lecture/concert piano series created by Associate Artistic Director Susan Waterfall. Her four-part Beethoven Tribute culminates with David McCarroll and the festival orchestra, performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Also on offer is Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, Beethoven Concerto No. 3, with Stephen Prutsman, Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 and the Bach B minor Mass. Visit www.mendocinomusic.org or call (707) 937 – 2044.
Contact
Bettina Swigger
Executive Director, Festival Mozaic
[email protected]
805-781-3009