Season 18

We are dedicated to supporting artists and fostering community through chamber music.

In Schools and at Juvenile Hall

Thanks to the David Kaun Endowed Youth Outreach Program, MiM launched its expanded youth program series. From November through May, MiM presents online and in-person youth programs. In addition to schools, we continue our partnership with Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall, presenting dynamic programs featuring a varied roster of renowned musicians. Learn more.

Over the past few years, we've seen remarkable growth in our youth programs, expanding from six in our inaugural year to an impressive 30 in 2022-23! This season, our students will be able to learn from a diverse range of musicians. Each visit will be accompanied by personal stories, showcasing the transformative power of music and how it can truly become a cherished companion.

Our film version of the David Arben program, a creation by Rebecca and her father, John Jackson, continues to captivate and inspire our students. This unique tribute, combining solo violin and powerful words, celebrates the life of Arben, a Holocaust survivor and violinist. His story is a testament to themes of tolerance, self-respect, persistence, trauma recovery, love of life, and the importance of taking responsibility for a better future.

Harmony Youth Choir

The Harmony Choir grew out of a vision in 2019 that Kate Alm and Rebecca Jackson-Picht shared for serving underserved youth through music. Harmony Youth Choir, one part of the trio of Musical Soulmates projects (Suzuki Piano Studio, Harmony Youth Choir, and Performer’s Collective) nurtures the whole child through music. Each session builds community through disciplined and joyful music-making. Students receive vocal training and learn diction, movement, positive message songs, music reading through hand motions, and ear training from co-leaders. The Harmony Youth Choir develops the next generation of youth leaders in music while closing the racial gap in performance representation for youth as young as six, cultivating resilience and joy.

El Sistema

Music in May has collaborated with El Sistema Santa Cruz for over a decade, and we are excited to continue our partnership next season.

May Festival

Mainstage concerts will be on Saturday, May 24th, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 25th, at 2:00 p.m. at Samper Recital Hall on the Cabrillo College campus.

Check out our complete list of artists HERE.