From Bernstein, our primary theme

Music and Peace

The Pacific Music Festival (PMF) is an international educational music festival founded in 1990 by leading 20th century conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein.

"Pacific" here refers not only to geography, but also to "peace." The name "Pacific Ocean" comes from Ferdinand Magellan, who in 1520, during what would become the first successful attempt at circumnavigating the globe, sailed a long and difficult passage through an unknown strait at the base of South America (now known as the Strait of Magellan). The still waters that ultimately greeted him on the other side were striking; he referred to them as "Mar Pacífico" ("Peaceful Ocean").

Consider the educational journey of the PMF Orchestra. The young musicians, with their various citizenships, languages, and backgrounds, must find a path toward coming together in a unity of sound. It is not always easy, and there is much drama along the way. But when successfully navigated, inspiration, joy, and peace await on the other side.

Bernstein's outlook was global, and throughout his life he maintained a tremendous love for both music and people. The vision he brought to PMF - young musicians coming together through music education and thereby achieving greater mutual understanding and contributing to world peace - this is the primary theme of PMF.