Festival Mozaic is proud to have named bassist Susan Cahill as the Artist-in-Residence for the 2026 Season.
Festival Mozaic's Artist-in-Residence is underwritten by a generous contribution from Libbie Agran.
As Festival Mozaic's 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Ms. Cahill will work closely with Music Director Scott Yoo and Festival staff to curate her own series of performances in San Luis Obispo County throughout the year, and she will be a featured performer at the 2026 San Luis Obispo Summer Music Festival. Her next appearance in San Luis Obispo will be April 9-12. She will present a chamber music concert at SLO United Methodist Church as well as two jazz sets at the Libretto in Paso Robles. Additionally she will be working with the students at the Cal Poly Music Department and the Cuesta College Performing Arts Department.
Susan Cahill, associate professor of bass at the University of Colorado Boulder, is a highly accomplished performer, educator, and composer recognized for her dynamic artistry and versatility across a wide spectrum of musical styles.
From 1997 to 2024, Cahill served as a member of the Colorado Symphony, where she performed as both a section bassist and soloist. Her teaching career has included positions at the University of Denver, and she is currently on faculty at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. A sought-after clinician, Cahill has presented master classes and workshops worldwide, including at the International Society of Double Bassists conventions. She has also taught and performed at Festicámara Medellín, a festival dedicated to providing music education to the youth of Colombia.
Cahill’s musical endeavors reach far beyond the classical repertoire. She co-founded Grande Orquesta Navarre, an ensemble that fuses tango, classical music, and original compositions, and has performed internationally with the Argentinian tango group Extasis. A multi-instrumentalist, her versatility extends to collaborations with the American roots band The Boulder Acoustic Society, where she performs on cello.
Cahill's artistry has been highlighted in guest appearances on PBS's Now Hear This series, part of Great Performances,where she performed alongside host Scott Yoo. She is equally celebrated for her innovative compositions and creative partnerships, including her work with improvisational actor Jon Wilkerson. Additionally, she is a regular performer at Festival Mozaic, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and frequently appears as a guest musician with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
Learn more at susancahill.com.