Calendar
Current and Upcoming
Women in Classical Music
Sunday, November 23, 2025, 3 PM
Ventura First United Methodist Church
The second CHICO concert of the season, Women in Classical Music, shines a spotlight on three remarkable composers whose voices helped shape the orchestral tradition.
The program opens with Germaine Tailleferre’s brilliant Concerto No. 1 for piano and orchestra, followed by Florence Price’s dramatic Piano Concerto in D minor, performed by acclaimed pianist Natasha Kislenko.
The evening concludes with Emilie Mayer’s powerful Symphony No. 7 in F minor—a sweeping and expressive work that confirms her place among the great symphonists of the 19th century. Together, these works celebrate the artistry, resilience, and lasting legacy of women in classical music.
The Earth Awakens with Songs
Saturday, December 6th, 3 PM
St. Columba's Episcopal Church
Sunday, December 7th, 3 PM
Ventura First United Methodist Church
The CSUCI University Chorus will perform selections from Morten Lauridsen’s Mid-Winter Songs, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and other pieces for the holiday season, conducted by Dr. KuanFen Liu.
Young Artists Series
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 3 PM
Ventura First United Methodist Church
CHICO proudly showcases the next generation of virtuosos in our annual Young Artists Series, featuring some of the region’s most promising emerging musicians. Pianists Leonardo Dinner, Albert Chen, and Marissa Wang, violinist Leonora Vukovitz, and violist Tyler Edwards take center stage in an inspiring afternoon of youthful artistry and masterful performances.
The program highlights the brilliance and diversity of the classical tradition—from the intricate elegance of J.S. Bach’s Concerto No. 1 to the soaring lyricism of Julius Conus’s Violin Concerto, the exuberant energy of Kabalevsky’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and the impassioned drama of Rebecca Clarke’s Viola Sonata..
Carmen - In Concert
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 3 PM
Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, Camarillo
Passion, jealousy, and fate ignite in Georges Bizet’s Carmen—one of the most beloved and electrifying works in the operatic repertoire. In this thrilling semi-staged concert presentation, the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra brings Bizet’s masterpiece to life with vivid orchestral color, powerful choral moments, and unforgettable melodies that have captivated audiences for generations.
CARNEGIE HALL CHORAL RESIDENCY
JUNE 18-22, 2026
KuanFen Liu will conduct singers from Channel Islands Choral Association in a performance of Mozart’s Mass in C major, K. 317 “Coronation Mass” in the Stern Auditorium/Perlman Stage at Carnegie Hall on June 21, 2026. To register and for more information, see the CICA website at www.cicachoir.org.
Past Events
Season Opener
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 3 PM
Ventura First United Methodist Church
Two innovative, groundbreaking works open our 23 rd season. Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto each “broke the mold” of the traditional symphony and the concerto. The “Scottish” is the first symphony to be written without breaks between the four movements, foreshadowing the cyclic form of the Late Romantic period. Beethoven’s Triple Concerto is the first of its kind since the Baroque concerto grosso form, and intertwines the solo trio and the orchestra in new and innovative ways.
CSUCI UNIVERSITY CHORUS AUDITIONS
KuanFen invites singers from the local community to join her chorus for its 2025/2026 season! New singers may schedule an audition by emailing her at downbeatplus@gmail.com
CHORAL SPECTACULAR
3 PM SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra will perform with the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and multiple Ventura County high school choirs in its yearly collaboration with Channel Islands Choral Association.
YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES
3 PM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Soloists Qizhen Guo, Eric Shang, Ryan Shen, John Wu and Juliana Wu will perform with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra .
CSUCI CHORUS WINTER CONCERT
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 2024
Santa Paula High School Performing Arts Center
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 8, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
The CSUCI University Chorus will perform works by Reena Esmail, Eric Whitacre, Haydn, Brahms and more! Donations welcomed at the door.
THE ROMANTIC AND THE IMPRESSIONIST
3 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra will perform Rossini’s Overture to The Silken Ladder; Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin; and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 with Miriam Arichea, piano.
See the CHICO website for tickets and more information.
SEASON OPENER
3 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Haydn, Mendelssohn and Poulenc with soloists David Wheatley, Organ; Kimaree Gilad, Oboe; Cavit Celâyir-Monezis, Bassoon; Sharon Cooper, Violin; and John Fare, Cello.
CSUCI UNIVERSITY CHORUS AUDITIONS
AUGUST 2024
KuanFen invites singers from her local community to join her chorus for its 2024/25 season! New singers may schedule an audition by emailing her at downbeatplus@gmail.com
BATH and LONDON, ENGLAND
JUNE 2024
KuanFen led a music and cultural tour of London, United Kingdom. Under her baton, and that of John Rutter as well, her singers performed Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, K. 220 and John Rutter’s Mass of the Children at St. Paul’s Church and Bath Abbey featuring the Oxford Symphony Orchestra and world-class soloists.
CHORAL SPECTACULAR
7 PM SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
3 PM SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus sang in collaboration with Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir, Rancho Campana High School Concert Choir, Ventura High School Chorale and the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus. The program included John Rutter’s Mass of the Children and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, K. 220.
AMERICAN MASTERWORKS
7 PM FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY MARCH 17, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Harlem Symphony by James Price Johnson, and Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra by John Williams featuring Steve Marsh on saxophone.
YOUNG ARTIST SERIES
7 PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Soloists Kaleb Chavez, Eileen Zhang, Lori Qian, Mia Eddy and Benjamin Chung performed with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra in works by Saint-Saëns, Doppler, Beethoven and Ravel. In addition, the orchestra performed The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana.
A CEREMONY OF SONGS
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 2, 2023
Santa Barbara Old Mission Parish
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 3, 2023
Ventura First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA
Channel Islands Choral Association presented the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus in a program of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, excerpts from Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and more! $20 donation welcomed at the door.
THE VIRTUOSOS: Beethoven, Weber & David Singer
7 PM SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2023
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Elgar Serenade for String Orchestra, and Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor with David Singer, clarinet.
OPENING GALA CONCERT
7 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
3 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 8, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Mozart Symphony No. 29 and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Sonya Kumiko Lee, piano.
A SOIRÉE WITH FRIENDS
2 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2023
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra presented an afternoon of chamber music by Sonya Kumiko Lee, Miriam Arichea, Steve Marsh, Mia Eddy, David Singer and other members of the orchestra. Thanks to all who came out in support of live classical music!
CSUCI UNIVERSITY CHORUS AUDITIONS
AUGUST 2023
KuanFen Liu invited singers from her local community to join her chorus for its twentieth year! Want to sing for her in the future? Let her know of your interest by emailing her at downbeatplus@gmail.com.
CHORAL SPECTACULAR 2023!
7 PM SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023
3 PM SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2023
Rancho Campana High School
Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra and Channel Islands Choral Association joined forces to sponsor a concert by the orchestra and over 100 singers from across Ventura County.
LOVE DEATH & FAREWELL
with Kelley O’Connor
7 PM SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2023
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY MARCH 19, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES
7 PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2023
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
SOUNDS OF OUR TIMES
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2022
First United Methodist Church, Ventura, CA
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
A program of works by local composers Bevan Manson, Pauline Frechette and Laura Mihalka.
DE COLORES
7 PM FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2022
Palazzio Event Center
814 E Main St, Santa Paula
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and the Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir performed together in a cultural celebration of choral music!!!
OPENING GALA CONCERT
with Miriam Arichea
7 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA
3 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 23, 2022
First United Methodist Church
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA
SUMMER SERENADE SERIES
5:30-7:30 PM FRIDAY JULY 29, 2022
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
An evening of music in the Garden
LUX AETERNA
by Morten Lauridsen
SATURDAY JUNE 25, 2022
Carnegie Hall, New York City
KuanFen Liu conducted the New England Symphonic Ensemble and over 100 singers from the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus, the Ventura High School Chorale, Santa Paula High School Concert Choir, and Kirkland Choral Society to two curtain calls and a standing ovation. The concert was part of the 39th season of MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS.
WINTER HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 4, 2021
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 5, 2021
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura
A live concert collaboration by Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Channel Islands Choral Association, Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir, CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and Artistic Director Dr. KuanFen Liu. Featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna; plus Saint-Saëns’ Organ Concerto #3.
SEASON OPENER
3 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra will perform Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante, Poulenc’s Organ Concerto and Mendelssohn’s incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare.
See the CHICO website for tickets and more information.
CSUCI UNIVERSITY CHORUS AUDITIONS
AUGUST 2024
KuanFen invites singers from her local community to join her chorus for its 2024/25 season! New singers may schedule an audition by emailing her at downbeatplus@gmail.com
BATH and LONDON, ENGLAND
JUNE 2024
KuanFen led a music and cultural tour of London, United Kingdom. Under her baton, and that of John Rutter as well, her singers performed Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, K. 220 and John Rutter’s Mass of the Children at St. Paul’s Church and Bath Abbey featuring the Oxford Symphony Orchestra and world-class soloists.
CHORAL SPECTACULAR
7 PM SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
3 PM SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus sang in collaboration with Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir, Rancho Campana High School Concert Choir, Ventura High School Chorale and the Pleasant Valley School District Chorus. The program included John Rutter’s Mass of the Children and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, K. 220.
AMERICAN MASTERWORKS
7 PM FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY MARCH 17, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Harlem Symphony by James Price Johnson, and Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra by John Williams featuring Steve Marsh on saxophone.
YOUNG ARTIST SERIES
7 PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2024
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Soloists Kaleb Chavez, Eileen Zhang, Lori Qian, Mia Eddy and Benjamin Chung performed with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra in works by Saint-Saëns, Doppler, Beethoven and Ravel. In addition, the orchestra performed The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana.
A CEREMONY OF SONGS
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 2, 2023
Santa Barbara Old Mission Parish
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 3, 2023
Ventura First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA
Channel Islands Choral Association presented the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus in a program of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, excerpts from Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and more! $20 donation welcomed at the door.
THE VIRTUOSOS: Beethoven, Weber & David Singer
7 PM SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2023
Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Elgar Serenade for String Orchestra, and Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor with David Singer, clarinet.
OPENING GALA CONCERT
7 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
3 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 8, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra performed Mozart Symphony No. 29 and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Sonya Kumiko Lee, piano.
A SOIRÉE WITH FRIENDS
2 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2023
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra presented an afternoon of chamber music by Sonya Kumiko Lee, Miriam Arichea, Steve Marsh, Mia Eddy, David Singer and other members of the orchestra. Thanks to all who came out in support of live classical music!
CSUCI UNIVERSITY CHORUS AUDITIONS
AUGUST 2023
KuanFen Liu invited singers from her local community to join her chorus for its twentieth year! Want to sing for her in the future? Let her know of your interest by emailing her at downbeatplus@gmail.com.
CHORAL SPECTACULAR 2023!
7 PM SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023
3 PM SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2023
Rancho Campana High School
Performing Arts Center
4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra and Channel Islands Choral Association joined forces to sponsor a concert by the orchestra and over 100 singers from across Ventura County.
LOVE DEATH & FAREWELL
with Kelley O’Connor
7 PM SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2023
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY MARCH 19, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES
7 PM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2023
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2023
First United Methodist Church of Ventura
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
SOUNDS OF OUR TIMES
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2022
First United Methodist Church, Ventura, CA
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura
A program of works by local composers Bevan Manson, Pauline Frechette and Laura Mihalka.
DE COLORES
7 PM FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Rd, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2022
Palazzio Event Center
814 E Main St, Santa Paula
The CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and the Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir performed together in a cultural celebration of choral music!!!
OPENING GALA CONCERT
with Miriam Arichea
7 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2022
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 N Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA
3 PM SUNDAY OCTOBER 23, 2022
First United Methodist Church
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA
SUMMER SERENADE SERIES
5:30-7:30 PM FRIDAY JULY 29, 2022
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
An evening of music in the Garden
LUX AETERNA
by Morten Lauridsen
SATURDAY JUNE 25, 2022
Carnegie Hall, New York City
KuanFen Liu conducted the New England Symphonic Ensemble and over 100 singers from the CSU Channel Islands University Chorus, the Ventura High School Chorale, Santa Paula High School Concert Choir, and Kirkland Choral Society to two curtain calls and a standing ovation. The concert was part of the 39th season of MIDAMERICA PRODUCTIONS.
WINTER HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
7 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 4, 2021
St. Mary Magdalen Church
25 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
3 PM SUNDAY DECEMBER 5, 2021
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura
A live concert collaboration by Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Channel Islands Choral Association, Santa Paula High School Cardinal Concert Choir, CSU Channel Islands University Chorus and Artistic Director Dr. KuanFen Liu. Featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna; plus Saint-Saëns’ Organ Concerto #3.