Cabrillo Music Festival Various venues thoughout Santa Cruz. (831) 426-6966. www.cabrillomusic.org
Entering its 45th season, this festival highlights contemporary orchestral music performed with the participation of the composers. Festival runs for 10 days in August.
Music at Kohl Mansion 2750 Adeline Dr, Burlingame. (650) 762-1130. www.musicatkohl.org
Chamber Music Series runs October-May.
Shoreline Ampitheatre 1 Shoreline Ampitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View. (650) 967-3000. www.shorelineamp.com
Bill Graham Presents, Summer Music Series. Tickets thru BASS.
Shakespeare Santa Cruz University of California at Santa Cruz Campus, Santa Cruz. (831) 459-2159. www.shakespearesantacruz.org
Noted for its innovative interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays, Shakespeare Santa Cruz performs Shakespearean as well as other dramatic and comedic productions. Three selections annually alternate on two stages—one indoor, another outdoors under the redwoods. July-Sept.
Stanford Lively Arts Stanford Campus, Palo Alto. (650) 725-ARTS. www.livelyarts.stanford.edu
Presents top performers from around the world in both music and movement, with names such as Kodo, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, Michael Mischen and Compañia Vincente Sáez. October-May.
Villa Montalvo Performing Arts Series 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga. (408) 961-5858. www.villamontalvo.org
Year-long series with the bulk in the summer showcases some of the very best performers from around the world, featuring everything from pop, blues, jazz and country to classical music and dance. (Performances also held at the Historic Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga.)
