Since its inception, the Ojai Music Festival has invited engaged and curious audiences to experience the performing arts in a picturesque setting, featuring distinguished soloists, prominent chamber ensembles, and world-class orchestras along with artists in dance, theater, and more.

Esa-Pekka Salonen returns for a third stint as music director of the Ojai Music Festival, which makes him uniquely aware of the festival’s history of presenting an array of composers and some of today’s leading musicians.

As this year’s music director of the Ojai Music Festival, Esa-Pekka Salonen, head of the Colburn Conservatory’s Negaunee Conducting Program and Maestro Ernst H. Katz Chair of Conducting Studies, has invited the Colburn Orchestra, Salonen Fellows, and alumni to join him in honoring 80 years of musical exploration at the 2026 Ojai Music Festival. 

The California Branch of the American String Teachers Association-Los Angeles Section (CalASTA-LA) honors the Colburn School for inspiring students toward excellence and making the performing arts an integral part of the Los Angeles community. The association also names Nancy Yamagata a 2026 Outstanding Studio Teacher.  

The Colburn community consists of remarkable individuals who ensure students have access to excellence in performing arts education. Here, we look back on the immeasurable contributions of Richard Schwabe, whose connection to Colburn virtually spans the School’s history.