Unraveling the Tapestry of Familial Narratives at the Cabrillo Festival

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming two-week celebration of symphonic music, featuring a diverse array of compositions from around the world. This year's theme, "Music as Movements," promises a packed schedule of concerts, workshops, and opportunities to engage with the talented musicians behind the performances.

Exploring the Intersections of Identity, Heritage, and Shared Experiences

Premiering a Concerto Inspired by Family Histories

The festival's lineup boasts several highly anticipated premieres, including the West Coast premiere of a concerto that delves into the themes of family history, identity, cultural heritage, and shared generational experiences. This work, titled "Tell Me Again," is the creation of Santa Cruz-born composer Lembit Beecher and will feature his wife, cellist Karen Ouzounian, as the soloist.Beecher's own upbringing, with an Estonian mother and a household that seamlessly blended English and Estonian, has deeply influenced his artistic vision. Similarly, Ouzounian's family history is marked by the Armenian genocide and the Lebanese Civil War, which forced her grandparents and parents to flee Beirut for Canada. These shared experiences of migration and displacement have become the driving force behind "Tell Me Again," a concerto that explores the evolving nature of familial narratives across generations.

Collaborative Craftsmanship and Intimate Exploration

The creative process behind "Tell Me Again" was a deeply collaborative one, with Beecher and Ouzounian working closely together during the early stages of the composition. Beecher would share his ideas with Ouzounian, who would then improvise and provide feedback, shaping the piece through her cello technique and the emotional resonance she brought to the work.This intimate collaboration has resulted in a concerto that is not only a testament to the power of shared experiences but also a reflection of the unique artistic partnership between Beecher and Ouzounian. The piece premiered in 2021 with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Cabrillo Festival performance will mark its first public outing on the West Coast.

Honoring the Enduring Significance of Family Stories

At the heart of "Tell Me Again" lies the exploration of how family stories evolve and take on new meaning over time. Beecher's own experiences of imagining and reconnecting with his Estonian heritage, as well as Ouzounian's family's journey from the Armenian genocide to the Lebanese Civil War, have shaped the concerto's narrative arc.The title itself, "Tell Me Again," emphasizes the importance of repetition in the retelling of these stories, as each generation grapples with the weight of their family's past and finds new ways to make sense of it. Beecher hopes that the piece will inspire audiences to reflect on their own familial histories and the ways in which they continue to shape their personal and cultural identities.

A Celebration of Diverse Voices and Perspectives

The Cabrillo Festival's programming this year is a testament to the festival's commitment to showcasing a wide range of musical voices and perspectives. Alongside the world premiere of "Tell Me Again," the festival will also feature the West Coast premieres of works by composers such as Daniel Kellogg and Nathaniel Heyder, as well as a trumpet concerto by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.This diverse lineup reflects the festival's mission to celebrate the richness and dynamism of contemporary music, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the full breadth of artistic expression. By highlighting the stories and experiences of composers from diverse backgrounds, the Cabrillo Festival continues to push the boundaries of what symphonic music can be, inviting audiences to engage with the universal themes of identity, heritage, and the human experience.