Lookout’s Kevin Painchaud had a chance to peek behind the scenes during open rehearsals for this year’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, which runs through Sunday at the Civic Auditorium in downtown Santa Cruz. He captured guest conductor Daniela Candillari leading the 68-member ensemble of professional musicians, showcasing the full range of orchestral sections — strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp and keyboards.

Daniela Candillari was guest conductor for the first week of this year’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Violinist Jennifer Koh was among this year’s guest artists at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Ryan Emerson Baird, a Los Angeles-based double bassist who serves as principal bassist for the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Guest conductor Daniela Candillari connecting with members of the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Tuba player Justin Benavidez rests his hands between pieces during an open rehearsal for the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
John Turman, a Seattle-based horn player, performs with the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

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Kevin Painchaud is an international award-winning photojournalist. He has shot for various publications for the past 30 years, appearing on sites nationwide, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, MSNBC, The...