Camerata Pacifica - Santa Barbara, California

KC S.

Camerata Pacifica is hands down the best chamber music group in the world! I have been a Camerata Pacifica concert goer for over a decade, and have left every single performance with feelings of joy and gratitude. The music is brilliantly programmed each year, incorporating both contemporary and classical music. The musicians hail from all over the globe, each with unparalleled talent that is matched only with a uniquely charming personality. I have taken countless international students to performances, all of whom have expressed the lasting impression made by attending. Adrian Spence is a fantastic artistic director, and I have had nothing but positive experiences with him and the entire Camerata Pacifica staff. Furthermore, the community outreach that Camerata Pacifica does is bar none, providing education to those less fortunate, and solace to people suffering in hospitals. Bravo, Camerata Pacifica! 👏👏👏

Bridget

Camerata Pacifica concerts are outstanding. I've been a fan and supporter for many years now and each season keeps getting better. Not only are the musicians world-class, but the Artistic Director, Adrian Spence, has really built a sense of community, that is inclusive and welcoming. It feels like we all come together to unplug from the chaos of the world and share in moments of beauty with music and with each other. The performances and venues foster a sense of intimacy, where we can really revel in the magic of a live performance. Some of my best memories of music come from the halls of a Camerata concert where the music-making is phenomenal and yet, they still keep it fun. I love that the audiences include long-time classical music fans as well as those who may be hearing classical music for the first time (including kids!). Highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet had the pleasure of discovering this group!

Felicia Y.

This group puts on some of the most amazing chamber concerts I've ever heard in my life. The programming is interesting and innovative, much more to discover than just the typical classical repertoire. In addition, the artists are truly world-class. They are handpicked and flown in from all over the world.

There are four concerts per month in different locations from Santa Barbara to Pasadena. Website has the entire concert schedule for the season. Highly recommend attending a concert and checking them out!

Rachel T.

I attended the Nov. 10 concert in Thousand Oaks. Absolutely amazing!!! This was my first experience with Camerata Pacifica but definitely not my last. Bravo to the wonderful musicians and OMG, Bravo to composer, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, for a piece of music that felt both ancient and futuristic! I was blown away!!! I loved the mix of both familiar, and lesser known cutting edge masterworks. The experience was so intimate, the musicians so close and the audience so engaged that I felt we were all good friends by the end ❤️ Thank you to all involved for a truly magical afternoon!

Couco L.

Responding to Camerata Pacifica: Thank you for your response.

For the first time last night I attended a beautiful Camerata Pacifica concert at Colburn School in downtown LA! Albeit, I experienced a situation where a staff member's behavior made me feel undervalued. Being new to the venue, I was so excited and began to take pictures with my phone.
A misstep for which I take full responsibility and apologize deeply for.

At first, I was calmly reminded by a male staff member about no-phone use, and I promptly started to put my phone down with an apology. However, things took a turn when he suddenly grabbed my hands forcefully pushing them down, and pointed his finger in my face sternly saying, "No." This led to discomfort in my wrists, but also left me feeling violated as I attempted to continue enjoying the show.

To sum it up, I feel the need to assert myself and stand firm against the unknown staff member who became physically aggressive with me.

I extend my appreciation to the performers and crew, please know my intentions are not out of malice. They were all truly captivating with passionate performances- five stars! However, I give a one star rating to the representing staff member who became unnecessarily verbally and physically demeaning.

Ed P.

Brilliant organization with unforgettable performances. An absolute must-be-experienced ensemble of mastery. Thank you Adrien Spence especially for bringing Irina Zahharenkova to the US! 5 golden stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️