In Monday’s (10/30) San Francisco Classical Voice, Tom Jacobs writes, “The new-music-oriented California Festival … which runs Nov. 3–19, embodies the ideals of diversity and accessibility. The 100-plus participating organizations, some large and wealthy, others neither, include professional orchestras, choruses, opera companies, youth orchestras, and educational institutions…. The concerts are spread out so widely across the state that a majority of Californians will be able to easily hear at least one of the 188 works scheduled to be performed (33 of which will be world premieres). The southernmost performances will be in San Diego, the northernmost in Fort Bragg and featuring Symphony of the Redwoods…. Beyond following one basic guideline—perform at least one piece written within the past five years—each participating group has made its own choices, picking works it deemed worthy and appealing to its audience. The article includes comments from Richard Lonsdorf, New Century Chamber Orchestra; Grant Gershon, Los Angeles Master Chorale; Phillippa Cole, San Francisco Symphony; Meghan Umber, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Andrew Sewell, San Luis Obispo Symphony; and Nick Gianopoulos, Colburn School, among others. “No single piece is being performed by two ensembles, and the number of composers represented has passed 140. They are a notably diverse bunch, ranging in age from 27 to 97 and representing more than 20 nationalities.”
