The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music is back, and this year’s lineup celebrates 50 years of Pride in Santa Cruz County with bold new compositions and forward-thinking themes.

Running July 27 to Aug 10 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, the festival will feature more than 20 composers, four commissions, and a full orchestra of musicians from across the country.

“We’re the only festival in the country that focuses exclusively on living composers. Nowhere else will you hear such a concentration of new work in a two-week span,” said Riley Nicholson, the festival’s executive director.

A standout performance this season is Cold Mountain Suite by Grammy-winning composer Jennifer Higdon. “It’s got good tunes, some toe-tapping bluegrass, and the kind of drama you get from opera,” Higdon said. “And you don’t need to know the opera or novel to enjoy it.”
This year’s program explores identity, love, and resilience, with works touching on climate change, LGBTQ+ stories, and historical figures including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

“I hope people walk away feeling more connected with those around them,” Nicholson said, “and that the pieces encourage reflection on both current and historical events.”

Beyond the main concerts, the festival also includes a free family concert on Aug 3 and In the Works on July 29 — a showcase of emerging composers and conductors.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, visit this link.