SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — April 23, 2026 — The Santa Barbara Symphony will bring its record-breaking 2025/26 season to a powerful close with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at The Granada Theatre.
Conducted by Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, this monumental work features internationally acclaimed soloists soprano Johanna Will and mezzo-soprano Felicia Gavilanes, and the return of the Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus in a performance of grand scale and emotional impact.
Often described by conductors and scholars alike as one of the most profound symphonic works ever written, Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony journeys from darkness to renewal, ultimately culminating in a breathtaking choral finale that explores the universal existential themes of life, death, and transcendence. Performed without intermission, the approximately 80-minute symphony offers audiences a viscerally immersive experience.
“This is more than a concert, it’s an emotional journey,” shared Kabaretti. “Mahler invites you to grapple with life’s biggest questions and leaves you hopeful and renewed. Mahler’s Second demands a tremendous collective effort,” Kabaretti added. “That is what makes it so powerful. Our musicians, chorus, and guest artists have really come together to create a real sense of unity behind this performance.”
The performance showcases the Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus, a dynamic ensemble of 100 voices drawn from across the community, alongside the full orchestra and acclaimed guest soloists. Together, this assembly of over 200 performers creates a sonic experience that is both intimate and magnificent.
“Symphony audiences tell us they are inspired, feel connected, and experience moments of awe and goosebumps at our concerts!” said Kathryn R Martin, President and CEO. “In a world that can feel unpredictable, sharing the power of community collaboration—combined with musical treats and surprises—creates moments that lift our spirits and bring us together.”
Audiences are also invited to attend “Conversations with Classical California,” hosted by on-air personality Jennifer Miller Hammel, on Saturday from 6:30–7:00 PM and Sunday from 2:00–2:30 PM in The Granada Theatre hall. These pre-concert talks include interviews with the guest artists and offer insight into the music and its meaning.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Tickets for Mahler’s Resurrection can be purchased online, in person, or by calling the Granada Theatre box office at (805) 899-2222. For additional details, visit TheSymphony.org. Subscriptions for the 2026/27 Season are also now available, and if purchased on or before May 16, 2026, patrons will receive a pair of free tickets for Mahler’s Resurrection. Call (805) 898-9386 or visit The Symphony website for details.
THE ARTISTS
Nir Kabaretti, conductor
Johanna Will, soprano
Felicia Gavilanes, mezzo-soprano
The Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus
THE REPERTOIRE
Mahler | Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
EVENT SPONSORS
Principal Concert Sponsor
Todd & Allyson Aldrich
Choral Sponsors
Anonymous
Marilyn & Richard Mazess
Selection Sponsors
Libby & Stephen Erickson
Paul & Susan Zink
ABOUT JOANNA WILL
German soprano Johanna Will is an internationally acclaimed soloist and prize-winning artist, trained at the Mannes School of Music and Hochschule für Musik Hamburg. The youngest recipient of the Rolex Scholarship at the Solti Accademia, she has worked with renowned mentors, including Angela Gheorghiu. Will has appeared with major orchestras worldwide, including the National Polish Radio Symphony under Marin Alsop, and performed at leading festivals such as Ravinia and Merola. Recent highlights include her Stuttgart State Opera debut and international engagements across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
ABOUT FELICIA GAVILANES
Italian American mezzo-soprano Felicia Gavilanes is acclaimed for her versatility and dramatic depth, with Opera News praising her as “sensitive and impassioned.” An Emerging Artist Alumna of Boston Lyric Opera, she has earned critical acclaim from The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, and Opera Magazine. She performed in the Grammy-nominated Lord of Cries with Boston Modern Orchestra Project and has appeared internationally from Cuba to Germany. A frequent soloist in major choral works, Gavilanes is also a recipient of multiple national awards and grants recognizing her rising career.
Click here for the guest artists’ full biographies.
ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY CHORUS
The Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus is a vibrant, community-based ensemble that brings together singers from across the region to perform major choral works alongside the Santa Barbara Symphony. Founded in 2025 under the direction of Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, the Chorus offers a flexible, project-based model that allows vocalists to participate in high-level performances without a long-term weekly commitment.
The ensemble made its debut at the Granada Theatre with A German Requiem and continues to play a central role in the Symphony’s most ambitious productions, including Mozart Requiem and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”. Bringing together 100+ voices, the Chorus reflects the spirit and strength of Santa Barbara’s musical community.
ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY
Now in its 73rd year, The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration—all through symphonic music. Under the charismatic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music & Artistic Director since 2006, The Symphony is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions. This globally admired conductor and Santa Barbara resident invigorates audiences and musicians alike through his passion, creativity, and vast experience. As the only music education program tied to a professional symphony orchestra in the region, The Symphony serves more than 2,000 students annually throughout Santa Barbara County. While the Symphony continues to evolve, its commitment to bringing joy, engagement, and connection remains a steadfast pillar of its mission. This dedication was especially evident during the pandemic, when the organization not only thrived but also announced a historic milestone: Board Chair Janet Garufis and President & CEO Kathryn R. Martin, along with Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, made a five-year commitment to serve in their leadership roles. For more information, visit TheSymphony.org.
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