Camerata Pacifica Opens 2026 Season at Hahn Hall
The acclaimed ensemble began its new season in Santa Barbara after being named the 2026 Chamber Music Ensemble of the Year.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Classical
Live Poll
Do you feel local music ensembles add significant value to your community's cultural life?
Camerata Pacifica officially launched its 2026 season on Thursday with a performance at Hahn Hall in Santa Barbara. The event celebrated the ensemble's recent designation as the 2026 Chamber Music Ensemble of the Year by Chamber Music America.
Why it matters
The recognition from Chamber Music America highlights the long-standing influence of the group founded by Adrian Spence in 1990. Their performance underscores the continued relevance of classical chamber works in modern concert programming.
The performance featured Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme by Chopin and Schubert's 40-minute Piano Trio, which was originally composed in 1828. The ensemble maintains a multi-city performance schedule covering Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, and San Marino.
The players
Camerata Pacifica
This chamber music ensemble was founded by Adrian Spence in 1990 and performs throughout Southern California.
Adrian Spence
He is the founder of the Camerata Pacifica chamber music organization.
Kristin Sneddon
She is the Mayor Pro Tem of Santa Barbara who issued a proclamation for the ensemble.
Chamber Music America
This national organization supports chamber music and named the ensemble its 2026 Ensemble of the Year.
The details
The program featured performances by Irina Zahharenkova, Grace Park, and Santiago Cañón-Valencia. During the event, Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Sneddon presented a mayoral proclamation to the organization.
Timeline
1990: Camerata Pacifica was founded by Adrian Spence.
1828: Schubert wrote his B-Flat Major Piano Trio.
October 22, 2026: Camerata Pacifica performed at Hahn Hall.
November 13, 2026: Camerata Pacifica returns to Hahn Hall for its next concert.
Industry Dynamics
The ensemble's recognition follows the standards set by the Chamber Music America Ensemble of the Year award. This honor marks a significant milestone in the group's trajectory, cementing its status among elite chamber organizations.
Residents of Santa Barbara can access these performances at Hahn Hall, with future dates already scheduled through the ensemble's regional tour. Tickets and program details are available directly through the organization's official website.
The takeaway
Supporting local chamber ensembles provides listeners with access to high-caliber interpretations of classic repertoire. Attendees should plan ahead for future concerts, as these programs often feature specialized contemporary and historical works.
What happens next
Camerata Pacifica will return to Hahn Hall on November 13 for a concert program featuring music by Michael Daugherty, Sarah Gibson, Missy Mazzoli, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene on the Classical page.
More information
View the current schedule and event details on the Camerata Pacifica event and information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
Live Poll
Do you feel local music ensembles add significant value to your community's cultural life?
