Pierre Boulez’s longtime association with Ojai began in 1967 at the 20th Ojai Music Festival. He would go on to serve as music director seven times, with his last appearance in Ojai being at the 2003 Festival. On the occasion of Pierre’s 90th birthday this year, we celebrate his work and unmatched contribution to music.

The 2015 Festival will honor him with five concerts centered on his music and his influences. On Wednesday, June 10, the Festival will present the West Coast premiere of Beyond the Score’s® A Pierre Dream: A Portrait of Pierre Boulez, a kaleidoscope of recorded and live music, words, and imagery of the maestro. A Pierre Dream is one of Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Beyond the Score series and features an original set design by celebrated architect Frank Gehry. Join us for this memorable evening. Purchase tickets here >>

Our celebration continues online with a timeline of Boulez in Ojai, read more about his life and work, and view archival photos of his time with the Festival.

“Boulez came to Ojai for the first time in 1966. He still vividly recalls cresting the lip of the Ojai Valley from the upper Ojai Valley in a convertible with legendary Artistic Director Lawrence Morton and being assaulted with the aroma of orange blossoms. It was at that moment that began Pierre’s love affair with Ojai. He returned seven times as music director – more than any artist. Throughout his long career, he never strayed from his firm conviction that musical programs need to be firmly grounded in music of our time, and his own steadfast belief in that principle has resulted in his leading a true revolution in programming. He always found Ojai a willing and enthusiastic partner in this quest which was why he returned again and again and again, and why we this year celebrate his astonishing 90th birthday with many of his works with the deepest thanks for the musical gifts he has given us.” – Thomas W. Morris, artistic director

This timeline is a work in progress – we will be adding more photos and stories as we get closer to June. If you have any memories you would like to share, feel free to email them to [email protected].