California's Latest Music Festival Honors the State's Diverse Musical Heritage

For ages, Northern and Southern California have had a sibling-like rivalry dating back to the state's founding. Yet, in the realm of classical music, an olive branch has been offered. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, and San Francisco Symphony have collaborated to present the California Festival: A Celebration of New Music, a two-week celebration from November 3–19, 2023, showcasing classical and jazz works from the last five years.

The festival was envisioned by L.A. Phil's Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel (who has recently announced plans to join the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after his contract concludes), along with San Diego Symphony's Music Director Rafael Payare and San Francisco Symphony's Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen. Together, they aim to highlight California's rich musical legacy through a variety of concerts and events.

“For over a century, California has been a hub for musical innovation,” the trio stated collectively. “It is where many composers sought refuge from war and oppression, discovering stability and the freedom to express themselves beyond the artistic confines they once set.”

The California Festival will not be confined to a single location; instead, it will cover the entire state, with concerts scheduled in numerous venues—including the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, auditoriums, colleges, and intimate community spaces. A comprehensive lineup and event specifics are yet to be revealed, but more than 50 organizations—including symphony orchestras, jazz groups, and choirs—have confirmed their involvement. Audiences can anticipate performances by emerging talents like Jens Ibsen, winner of the 2022 San Francisco Conservatory’s Emerging Black Composers Project, alongside established figures in Californian classical music such as minimalist Terry Riley. Additionally, a project led by Gabriela Ortiz will explore California's identity and its ties to Central and South America. Ibsen and Riley will perform in San Francisco, while Ortiz's concert will take place in L.A.

While live music will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of the festival, the event aims to embrace a multidisciplinary approach by inviting artists from various fields to participate. The composers believe that including a wide array of voices and artistic expressions will reflect the inclusivity and diversity that make California unique, which they consider one of the state's greatest assets.

“Today,” they expressed, “California—boasting the economic might of a nation, the ecological variety of a continent, and the cultural richness of the globe—embodies a compelling vision for classical music.”