Ojai Festival 2021
John Adams Music Director
By: Susan Hall - Aug 20, 2021
Ojai, California
September 16-19
2021 Music Director John Adams
announces initial programming for its 75th Festival
2021 Festival composers include Samuel Carl Adams, Timo Andres, Dylan Mattingly, Gabriela Ortiz, Rhiannon Giddens, Carlos Simon, and Gabriella Smith
Artists making their Ojai debuts include Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi, pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, Attacca Quartet, violinist Miranda Cuckson, and recorder player Anna Margules; Ojai welcomes the return of pianist/composer Timo Andres and members of the LA Phil New Music Group
Program features the world premiere of Sunt Lacrimae Rerum by Dylan Mattingly along with the west coast premiere of Samuel Carl Adams’ Chamber Concerto
The Festival will offer a free concert for the community by Festival artists alongside Ojai school children in conjunction with its BRAVO education program
To commence 75th anniversary celebrations, the Festival will present a series of summer events in Ojai, around Southern California, and online beginning in June
“The Ojai Music Festival has always done things differently with its special mix of casual manner and provocative programming. Ever since its inception in the days of Stravinsky and Copland it has stood out among music festivals for its celebration of the new. I am honored to return as Music Director, and I am eager to introduce to our audiences a new generation of composers and performers who give a glimpse of what the future of creativity in music will be. Rhiannon Giddens, Víkingur Ólafsson, Carlos Simon, Gabriella Smith, Gabriella Ortiz, and Samuel Adams are just a few among many who will give this year’s Festival a jolt of energy that will resound in the magnificent setting of the Ojai Valley. It will be a treat not to be missed.” – John Adams, 2021 Music Director