Performances run from July 15 to August 1
Festival Mozaic’s multi-week event celebrating music, dance, film, visual arts, young, emerging musicians, and more takes place at venues throughout San Luis Obispo County.
This year’s festival carries added significance as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of this milestone, Festival Mozaic highlights American composers, especially those with strong ties to California, through a collaboration with the Coastal Awakening project. The partnership underscores California’s vibrant cultural scene and its influence on the evolution of American music. Music Director Scott Yoo guides the season, focusing on creative freedom and artistic exploration.
“Celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence invites reflection on the bold thinking and innovation that shaped our nation,” said Yoo. “California, in particular, has long served as a hub for artistic experimentation. Composers such as John Adams, Steve Reich, Henry Cowell, and Ernest Bloch expanded the boundaries of American music. Through our work with the Coastal Awakening project, we’re honoring both the ideals at the heart of our country’s founding and the uniquely Californian spirit of creativity that continues to influence classical music today.”
Special performances and festival experiences
This year, the festival is partnering with Cal Poly Arts, the International Film Festival, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council and Museum of Art, and the County Library System. These partnerships reinforce the festival’s commitment to strengthening the region’s broader cultural ecosystem.
On July 16, Festival Mozaic and Cal Poly Arts present the Los Angeles-based contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC. The company is internationally recognized for its bold repertoire and dynamic physicality that celebrates ideas and spirit through movement.
The concert schedule, Celebrating American & California Voices, presents several chamber concerts throughout the county and spanning several weeks of the festival.
The Young Artist Program features a series of mini-concerts and the Young Artist Community Concert. In collaboration with the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, the young artists include emerging musicians from the Festival Mozaic Young Artist String Quartet, mentored by Scott Yoo and cellist Bion Tsang, along with featured young artists from the Juilliard School and the University of Georgia.
Free, hour-long Community Midday Concerts are held at various locations in the county. There’s also a Summer Poetry Series, the Summer of Music Film Series, and a Meet the Artist series at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
That’s not all! Special presentations include comedy, ukulele, more concerts, and performances. The Notable Encounters & Soirée offers interactive behind-the-scenes access for selected performances.
About Festival Mozaic
Festival Mozaic began as a San Luis Obispo summer music festival idea in 1970 from three Cal Poly music professors. Today, festival programs provide many diverse venues and multiple points of entry into the world of classical music and the arts. Festival Mozaic deepens the experience through professional performances by outstanding visiting artists, outreach, education, dialogue, and content creation.
Performances are held throughout San Luis Obispo County from July 15 to August 1. For the performance schedule, tickets, subscription packages, or more information, visit festivalmozaic.org.
