It’s an organization which has brought some of the biggest names in classical music to the South Coast
The Community Arts Music Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and this weekend is asking everyone to join in at a free show.
CAMA’s 100th anniversary season has included everything from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to the Russian National Orchestra.
But this weekend, CAMA is taking the celebration out of theaters to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, for a community party.
CAMA’s story goes back to 1919, when members of the community launched an ambitious effort to bring a number of cultural programs in Santa Barbara.
CAMA Operations manager Justin Rizzo-Weaver says the organization shares its 100th anniversary with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which was also founded the same year. He notes their histories have now been intertwined for a century, and that Santa Barbara has been a regular performance stop for the orchestra.
The Philharmonic will add to the celebration on March 6th, 2020 with a concert at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater.
Rizzo-Weaver says in addition to bringing orchestras and performers from around the world to perform in Santa Barbara, CAMA is supporting arts education in the region. It gives tickets to students in public schools and colleges, and sponsors a music education program.
Rizzo-Weaver says what’s amazing is the community support for CAMA. He says with ticket prices only able to cover a portion of costs, generous sponsors and patrons make the concerts and other programs possible.
Sunday’s CAMA “100th Birthday Bash” at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens is free, and open to the public. It begins at 1 p.m.
