The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music presents the full spectrum of orchestral possibility, illuminating vibrant hues of music today. This transformative season features over 20 composers, nine in residence, seven guest artists, and the Festival Orchestra, four Festival commissions and bringing three world premieres to life.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of LGBTQIA Pride in Santa Cruz and the legacy of queer voices that have shaped the Festival, we present a co-commission by Jake Heggie. The season also showcases a new Creative Lab commission by Darian Donovan Thomas honoring the queer experience, and pays tribute to luminaries who have influenced the Festival, including Lou Harrison, John Corigliano, and Jennifer Higdon.

The 2025 Season: Colorful & Courageous runs from July 27 – August 10, 2025.

Season highlights include: Guest Conductor Daniela Candillari to conduct first 2 concerts of the season, 3 world premieres, 5 West Coast premieres, 9 composers in residence. Festival commissions include an orchestral song cycle by Stacy Garrop, the second Creative Lab featuring a multidisciplinary work by Darian Donovan Thomas, and a new co-commission by Jake Heggie featuring original text by Taylor Mac.

LUMINA – Friday, August 1, 8pm
The 63rd season kicks off with guest conductor Daniela Candillari leading the Festival Orchestra in works by John Corigliano, Nina Shekhar, and Missy Mazzoli.

CHASING LIGHT – Saturday, August 2, 7pm
For the second Festival concert, guest conductor Candillari leads the Festival Orchestra in works by Rene Orth, Stacy Garrop, Aleksandra Vrebalov, and Julia Wolfe, presenting a palette of compositions that both illuminate and embolden.

FAMILY CONCERT, Sunday, August 3, 1pm
The Festival’s cherished free Family Concert program features Karen LeFrak‘s delightful Sleepover at the Museum, an accessible and charming story for audiences of all ages. Alight with adventure, it’s a scavenger hunt brought to life through clever instrumentation and musical motives.

BECOMING – Saturday, August 9, 7pm
The second weekend of the Cabrillo Festival welcomes the return of Maestro Măcelaru with a program featuring the Cabrillo Festival’s second Creative Lab with a world premiere by Darian Donovan Thomas, a tribute to the enduring legacy of Festival Co-Founder Lou Harrison, and a powerful work by Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

RISING – Sunday, August 10, 7pm
The Cabrillo Festival concludes with a vibrant symphonic tapestry featuring the bold musical palettes of composers Adolphus Hailstork, Jennifer Higdon, Tyson Gholston Davis, and a new co-commissioned song cycle by Jake Heggie.

All events will be held at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium at 307 Church Street in Downtown Santa Cruz.

More information available here.