CABRILLO FESTIVAL of CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
July 26 - August 9, 2026
July 26 - August 9, 2026
The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music presents its 64th season, We the Dreamers, running July 26 through August 9, 2026.
Framed by the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this transformative season asks one of the most resonant civic questions of our time: Who is the “we” of America—and who are “we” still becoming? The answers unfold across four world premiere Festival Commissions, eight West Coast premieres, and two U.S. premieres, brought to life by a dynamic global roster of over 20 composers and an extraordinary array of guest artists.
Highlights include the second-ever performance and West Coast premiere of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 15 Lincoln , which draws on Lincoln’s urgent reverence for the Constitution and his prescient warnings against internal division, alongside an appearance by Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove and new works by Clarice Assad, Vivian Fung, Sarah Hennies, and Pedro Emanuel Pereira—together offering a compelling portrait of our contemporary moment through the lens of history, civic reckoning, and global perspective.
"We the Dreamers is both an invitation and a responsibility"; says Music Director Cristian Măcelaru. "At this historic moment, we are asking how music can help us imagine a more expansive 'we'—one that listens deeply, embraces complexity, and dares to hope. These works remind us that dreaming is essential to shaping a more just and connected future."
This year’s composers in residence are Vivian Fung, Pedro Emanuel Pereira, Leilehua Lanzilotti, James Lee III, Sarah Hennies, Clarice Assad, Jackson A. Waters, Dan Dediu, Eunike Tanzil, Sean Shepherd, Gala Flagello, Lisa Bielawa, and Paul Dooley. Also on the program: Hannah Ishizaki, and Elena Kats-Chernin. Guest artists include baritone Zachary James, clarinetist Carlos Ferreira, pianist Alexandra Dariescu, violinists Philippe Quint and Tessa Lark, and poet Rita Dove. Spanning four programmatic themes—American Culture, Identity & Experience; American History; American Voices; and Music for Here and Now—the season reflects a plurality of lived experiences, aesthetics, and cultural perspectives. As always, composers are present throughout the Festival, engaging directly with musicians and audiences and making the creative process immediate, human, and alive.
NEW! FESTIVAL MERCH package ADD-ON
Elevate your Festival experience and support new music with our limited “Festival Merch Package”—a ticket add-on that secures you a commemorative 2026 Festival tote and t-shirt, along with an exclusive signed 2026 season poster!
All service charges, taxes and fees are included in the prices shown.
Wheelchair Accessible and Accessible Companion seats are available in all price zones in the orchestra floor seating.
Please note: Programs are subject to change. No children under age six will be admitted to concerts (except for the free Family Concert). Please silence your phones out of respect for the artists performing and fellow patrons. We encourage you to take non-flash photos and videos before or after the concert. You may take videos (under 30 seconds for copyright/legal reasons) and non-flash photos during Festival open rehearsals. Always be mindful of your neighbors when using your camera. Tag us on social media! Please review General Event Policies for exclusions. All sales are final, no refunds.
Highlights include the second-ever performance and West Coast premiere of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 15 Lincoln , which draws on Lincoln’s urgent reverence for the Constitution and his prescient warnings against internal division, alongside an appearance by Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove and new works by Clarice Assad, Vivian Fung, Sarah Hennies, and Pedro Emanuel Pereira—together offering a compelling portrait of our contemporary moment through the lens of history, civic reckoning, and global perspective.
"We the Dreamers is both an invitation and a responsibility"; says Music Director Cristian Măcelaru. "At this historic moment, we are asking how music can help us imagine a more expansive 'we'—one that listens deeply, embraces complexity, and dares to hope. These works remind us that dreaming is essential to shaping a more just and connected future."
This year’s composers in residence are Vivian Fung, Pedro Emanuel Pereira, Leilehua Lanzilotti, James Lee III, Sarah Hennies, Clarice Assad, Jackson A. Waters, Dan Dediu, Eunike Tanzil, Sean Shepherd, Gala Flagello, Lisa Bielawa, and Paul Dooley. Also on the program: Hannah Ishizaki, and Elena Kats-Chernin. Guest artists include baritone Zachary James, clarinetist Carlos Ferreira, pianist Alexandra Dariescu, violinists Philippe Quint and Tessa Lark, and poet Rita Dove. Spanning four programmatic themes—American Culture, Identity & Experience; American History; American Voices; and Music for Here and Now—the season reflects a plurality of lived experiences, aesthetics, and cultural perspectives. As always, composers are present throughout the Festival, engaging directly with musicians and audiences and making the creative process immediate, human, and alive.
NEW! FESTIVAL MERCH package ADD-ON
Elevate your Festival experience and support new music with our limited “Festival Merch Package”—a ticket add-on that secures you a commemorative 2026 Festival tote and t-shirt, along with an exclusive signed 2026 season poster!
All service charges, taxes and fees are included in the prices shown.
Wheelchair Accessible and Accessible Companion seats are available in all price zones in the orchestra floor seating.
Please note: Programs are subject to change. No children under age six will be admitted to concerts (except for the free Family Concert). Please silence your phones out of respect for the artists performing and fellow patrons. We encourage you to take non-flash photos and videos before or after the concert. You may take videos (under 30 seconds for copyright/legal reasons) and non-flash photos during Festival open rehearsals. Always be mindful of your neighbors when using your camera. Tag us on social media! Please review General Event Policies for exclusions. All sales are final, no refunds.
Order Subscriptions and Single Tickets:
831-420-5260 | Tues-Fri Noon-4pm
307 Church Street | Santa Cruz, CA 95060
