We’re celebrating Kaija Saariaho‘s birthday month! The Finnish composer, hailed as “one of the most original compositional voices of our time” continues to garner accolades for her wide body of work that encompasses chamber and orchestral, as well as opera.

June 2016 may be a few months away yet, but we are thrilled that Kaija will be joining us here in Ojai. The Festival will feature several of her works, including the American premiere of a new chamber version of her monumental La Passion de Simone, centered on the life and death of Philosopher Simone Weil and Only The Sound Remains, a pair of operas based on Japanese Noh plays – both performances staged by 2016 Music Director Peter Sellars.

If you’re like us, next summer is a little too long to wait! Catch this program presenting the many facets of her chamber music through a variety of pieces at the Center for the Art of Perfomance at UCLA’s concert “Kaija Saariaho: A Portrait Concert” on November 7. Tickets start at $29 –  for more information click here.

Learn more about Kaija’s work by reading her bio here. And for more Festival information, be sure to read Artistic Director Tom Morris’ summer update and watch Peter Sellars talk about his plans for next June.

Don’t forget to purchase your series passes to the 2016 Festival! Early subscribers receive preferred seating and are guaranteed the best prices. Click here to order online or call 805 646 2053 for personal assistance.