The Ojai Music Festival turns 80 with the help of Esa
The Ojai Music Festival is celebrating its 80th anniversary with the return of conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen as music director. The festival continues its tradition of blending avant-garde and classical music in a unique outdoor setting in California.
Why it matters
The festival remains a significant cultural institution that influences the American classical music landscape and promotes experimental artistic expression.
Accordionist Hanzhi Wang performs Luciano Berio’s Sequenza XIII accompanied by dancer Shu Kinouchi as part of the 2026 Ojai Music Festival. (Timothy Teague / Ojai Music Festival) By Mark Swed Classical Music Critic Follow June 23, 2026 10:26 AM PT 9 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here .
The article is a cultural feature piece focusing on arts and history without ideological bias.
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