SANTA CRUZ, California—Last weekend, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music opened its 63rd season. Reaching that number with such an uncompromising mission is an achievement in itself. So is the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz being the first small city in the nation to convene an LGBTQIA Pride event.
…the major piece of the night was the world premiere of an ambitious 27-minute cantata for soprano and baritone by Chicago-based Stacy Garrop (b. 1969), Frederick and Susan B. Frederick being Frederick Douglass and Susan B. representing Susan B. Anthony, both pioneers in the struggle to procure the vote for hitherto unrepresented groups in 19th-century America. The two knew each other and fought independently and together for decades to pursue their goals.
…Michelle Areyzaga… gave it her all as Anthony, her varied timbre carrying well…
Richard S. Ginell, Musical America August 6, 2025 (soloist on Frederick and Susan B.)