In many a city in the United States, and beyond, the summer months comprise a lean time in the realm of classical music concert action. A summer’s nap is baked into the fairly rigid protocol of classical concert programming. But not so in Santa Barbara, where we are happily spoiled by the embarrassment of riches put forth by the venerable Music Academy of the West (MAW), now launching its 79th annual festival, a busy cavalcade of musical action through early August.
Like clockwork, MAW is bringing on a slate of concerts, master classes, and performance ops for both visiting artists and faculty of renown and the already-accomplished young fellows (students) who pass the rigorous process of acceptance and travel here from around the world.
Whether on MAW’s lavish and verdant Miraflores Estate compound in Montecito or filtering downtown into the Granada and Lobero theaters, and elsewhere, the Music Academy becomes a fact of cultural life for eight weeks each year. To which we say: Bring it on.