Cali Immersive Residency Marks Fifth Anniversary with 2025–26 Season of World-Class Artists

The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University proudly announces the fifth annual season of the Cali Immersive Residency Program, a groundbreaking program that brings world-class artists to campus for week-long residencies filled with collaboration, mentorship, and performance. Designed to connect students with leading voices in today’s evolving musical landscape, the program offers unparalleled opportunities to work directly with acclaimed performers and ensembles across genres.

The 2025–26 season features an extraordinary lineup: folk musician, singer-songwriter, and cellist Leyla McCalla as Artist-in-Residence; composer, pianist, and vocalist Samora Pinderhughes, known for his socially conscious and genre-blending work; virtuoso violinist Stefan Jackiw, acclaimed for his poetic and technically flawless performances; and Grammy Award–winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, a star of the world’s leading opera stages. Also appearing are the groundbreaking Kronos Quartet, pioneers in expanding the string quartet repertoire; Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, celebrated for her powerful storytelling and modern take on jazz traditions; legendary Cuban-American saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera, whose career spans Latin jazz and classical music; and esteemed choral conductor Anton Armstrong, recognized internationally for his artistry and leadership.

Each residency includes public performances at the Cali School of Music and in New York City as part of the Bridges Series at Merkin Concert Hall, co-presented with Kaufman Music Center. From classical to jazz, folk to contemporary, the Cali Immersive Residency continues to foster deep artistic engagement, celebrate musical diversity, and prepare students for meaningful careers in music.

Join us for an unforgettable season of performances, conversations, and collaborations. Explore the full schedule, event details, and ticket links here: Full 2025–26 Cali Immersive Residency Schedule & Tickets