Marin Alsop to leave Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

After 25 years promoting pioneering music Marin Alsop is stepping down as music director of Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music (CFCM). Alsop has overseen almost half of the CFCM’s programmes, which began in 1963, leaving a big space to fill on the podium.

‘I believe this is the right time for me and for the festival,’ said 58-year-old Alsop. ‘[CFCM] has always been about the new and is championed by audiences and musicians who embrace a sense of discovery and risk, so I am confident and excited about what the future holds for this extraordinary institution.’

Attention now turns to the 2016 programme, which will honour Alsop’s distinguished tenure. One of the highlights already announced is a new symphonic ballet from Anna Clyne, created in partnership with choreographer Kitty MacNamee of Hysterica Dance Company.

‘I look forward to the 2016 season when we’ll celebrate all that we have accomplished together,’ added Alsop, whose first CFCM was back in 1992.

During her tenure Alsop has worked with over 100 composers including celebrated names like Christopher Rouse, James MacMillan, Joan Tower, Philip Glass, and Jennifer Higdon. She’s also supported emerging composers such as Clyne, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Clarice Assad and Zosha di Castri.

‘We look forward to experiencing the thrill of Marin’s 25th and final season program in 2016,’ said Jim Petersen, board president at CFCM. ‘Under Marin’s extraordinary leadership, Cabrillo Festival has emerged as the premier centre of new music for orchestra in the world.’

CFCM is America’s longest running contemporary music festival, held in Santa Cruz’s Civic Auditorium with compositions performed by Cabrillo Festival Orchestra under Alsop’s baton. The 2016 festival runs from 5 – 13 August, with the full programme yet to be announced.