Violinist

Conrad Tao delves into Rachmaninoff’s Californian years, highlighting his relationship with the American songbook, before an exploration of composers past and present who have shaped California’s unique cultural tapestry. This journey through California’s rich artistic legacy showcases the diverse influences and inspirations found within its vibrant landscape, from its pioneering composers to the myriad of stories that have been woven under its expansive skies.

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California Dreamin'

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the La Jolla Music Society's "Midweek Masterworks: Notes on a Scandal" on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7 PM in the prestigious Baker-Baum Concert Hall. This unique musical event delves into the depths of passion, exploring the madness, jealousy, and ecstasy it can inspire through a carefully curated selection of compositions that narrate love's most dangerous consequences.

The evening's program features an evocative lineup, starting with Gesualdo's "Two Madrigals" arranged for string quintet, bringing to life the composer's tumultuous emotional landscape. Performers include the talented Simone Porter and Blake Pouliot on violins, Matthew Lipman and Masumi Per Rostad on violas, and Paul Wiancko on cello.

The journey into scandalous love affairs continues with Debussy's "Six Epigraphes Antiques for Piano Four-Hands," a piece that captures the composer's own sordid affairs. The piano will be masterfully handled by Inon Barnatan and Conrad Tao, promising a performance that intertwines complexity with beauty.

The final piece, Franck's "Piano Quintet in F Minor," is a powerful exploration of torrid infatuation. Conrad Tao returns to the piano, joined by Blake Pouliot and Simone Porter on violins, Masumi Per Rostad on viola, and Paul Wiancko on cello, to bring this passionate work to life.

Enhance your experience with "Midweek Cheers" – enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at these special intermission-less concerts. After the performance, join fellow concertgoers for a celebratory toast in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, creating a perfect ending to an evening of exquisite music and shared experiences.

Don't miss this musical exploration of love's darkest corners with the La Jolla Music Society. Secure your tickets now for an evening that promises not only exceptional performances but also a deep dive into the emotions that drive us all.

Midweek Masterworks: Notes on a Scandal

Join us for an enchanting evening with the La Jolla Music Society as we present "Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories" on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 7 PM in the prestigious Baker-Baum Concert Hall. This unique concert experience will illuminate the profound narratives behind some of the most celebrated compositions in classical music, featuring a lineup of pieces that bridge personal stories with the rich histories of the instruments used to perform them.

The evening will spotlight Brahms’ "String Sextet No. 1," a masterpiece that will be brought to life through the personal stories of the musicians and the venerable histories of their instruments. Adding to the musical tapestry, we will present Bartók’s "Contrasts," a vibrant fusion of classical music and jazz elements, originally commissioned by the legendary Benny Goodman. This piece will showcase the talents of Yura Lee on violin, Anthony McGill on clarinet, and Gilles Vonsattel on piano, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.

Further enriching the program, Michi Wiancko’s "Lullaby for the Transient" will offer a meditative reflection on themes of immigration, performed by an ensemble including Simone Porter and TBA on violins, Jonathan Vinocour on viola, Paul Wiancko on cello, and Anthony McGill returning on clarinet.

The concert will also feature Brahms’ "String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18," interpreted by a distinguished group of musicians including James Ehnes, Jack Liebeck, Yura Lee, Jonathan Vinocour, Paul Watkins, and Kyril Zlotnikov.

To make your evening even more special, we invite you to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne during our "Midweek Cheers" celebration. This intermission-less concert allows for a seamless musical journey, culminating in a celebratory toast with fellow concertgoers in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd following the performance.

Don’t miss this deeply engaging exploration of music’s power to tell stories, weaving together personal and historical narratives through the universal language of music.

Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories

Join us on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, presented by the La Jolla Music Society. "The Road to Victory" is a powerful concert that promises to take you on a journey from adversity to triumph through the medium of classical music.

This exceptional performance will feature three pivotal works that each, in their own way, echo the turmoil and resolve of wartime, while also celebrating the human spirit's capacity to overcome societal barriers. The evening will begin with Beethoven's String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 "Serioso," a piece renowned for its intense and emotional depth. The quartet will be brought to life by the virtuosic talents of James Ehnes and Simone Porter on violins, Jonathan Vinocour on viola, and Paul Watkins on cello.

Following Beethoven, the audience will be treated to Bridge's Cello Sonata, H. 125, a work that encapsulates the composer's reflection on the anguish of war. Paul Watkins will return to the stage, this time accompanied by Gilles Vonsattel on piano, to deliver this poignant piece.

The concert will conclude with Coleridge-Taylor's Clarinet Quintet in F-sharp Minor, Op. 10, a masterpiece that stands as a testament to overcoming societal barriers with its romantic and lyrical melodies. Anthony McGill will lead on clarinet, supported by an ensemble including Jack Liebeck and Njioma Greivious on violins, Yura Lee on viola, and Kyril Zlotnikov on cello.

"The Road to Victory" is not just a concert; it's an experience that promises to move, inspire, and uplift. Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable musical journey.

Simone Porter

Violinist

Events

Aug 11, 2024

California Dreamin' · La Jolla Music Society

Aug 14, 2024

Midweek Masterworks: Notes on a Scandal · La Jolla Music Society

Aug 21, 2024

Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories · La Jolla Music Society

Aug 23, 2024

The Road to Victory · La Jolla Music Society

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