San Diego is set to become a hub of classical enchantment this summer with a series of captivating events celebrating the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From the stirring melodies of 'Piano Concerto No. 21' performed at UC San Diego to the intricate harmonies of the 'Dissonance' Quartet at Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, music lovers will be treated to a diverse array of orchestral and operatic masterpieces. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic flair of 'Mitridate' or the serene beauty of 'Gran Partita,' there's something for everyone in this tribute to one of history's greatest composers.

Mozart's Magic in San Diego: A Summer of Orchestral and Operatic Marvels

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary series of musical events from Northern to Southern California, featuring the brilliant compositions of Caroline Shaw. The renowned Miró Quartet will enchant audiences in the serene vineyards of Napa, while the Danish String Quartet and other elite ensembles will bring Shaw's genius to life in venues across the state. Don’t miss these unforgettable performances in Napa, St. Helena, San Diego, Costa Mesa, Berkeley, and beyond!

Unveiling Caroline Shaw's Musical Marvels: From Napa to Costa Mesa

The works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky are one of the staples of classical music. Think “Swan Lake”, “1812 Overture”. If you live in the Bay Area or SoCal, many opportunities of attending live performances of Tchaikovsky’s masterworks are only a short drive away. Explore them here.

Bay Area and SoCal events for Tchaikovsky fans

“[Alexa is] a one-woman wrecking crew, […] an indomitable force for expression, education, and for absolute excellence.” — Wynton Marsalis

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Alexa Tarantino Quartet

La Jolla Music Society

Encanto lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY® Award-winning songs performed by the live band “Banda de la Casita,” while watching the full film. This special event will include all the music of the Academy Award®-winning film, including iconic hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” performed live. Join the celebration!

ENCANTO: The Sing-Along Film Concert

Balboa Theatre

Trio Bohémo

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall

“Grimaud is a capital-M Musician, one who, by connecting with the music, connects the audience to the music as well.” — Toronto Guardian

Hélène Grimaud

“Joyful jazz with lots of laughs and theatricality” — LA Times


SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION 100 Years of Jazz

Among the most intensely admired composers in jazz, Wayne Shorter is a true legend whose career stretched over half a century. The golden era of this saxophonist’s extraordinary musical journey was marked by the formation of his quartet with Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade, who went forth to confound all preconceptions of jazz in a prolific 24 years of concerts and GRAMMY® Award-winning recordings. Frequently hailed as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation, Mark Turner rounds out this inspired exploration of the unknown.

Legacy Of Wayne Shorter

“Classical music doesn’t get much more life-enhancing than this.” — The Guardian


Takács Quartet

With his Bantu Ensemble, rising star cellist, singer, improviser, and composer Abel Selaocoe moves with virtuosic grace across genres, broadening both the scope and audience of classical music while blending African and Western European traditions. “One of the most captivating performers [of] the classical music world … other genres can claim him too, but part of what makes him so compelling is the way all those labels seem to dissolve in front of him,” says The Guardian in its review of Selaocoe’s debut album. “Nobody else could have made this.”

ABEL SELAOCOE and BANTU ENSEMBLE

GRAMMY®-winning trumpet virtuoso Chris Botti has recorded and performed with superstars including Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Bublé, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Andrea Bocelli, Joshua Bell, and even Frank Sinatra. He’s also performed with many of the finest symphonies and at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House and the Real Teatro di San Carlo in Italy.

Chris Botti 

Aida Cuevas has created one of the most important careers in traditional Mexican music. With a 46-year career and 41 album releases to her credit, Cuevas, dubbed “The Queen of Mariachi,” is an esteemed figure in Mexico, beloved for her unswerving devotion to traditional mariachi music and her mastery of its demanding vocal forms.  Cuevas celebrates a long-lasting career with a GRAMMY® award, a Latin GRAMMY® award and eleven GRAMMY® nominations in the “Best Mariachi/Ranchero Album” category.

Aida Cuevas

“the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade” — Vanity Fair

Fred Hersch & Anat Cohen

Join us for an unforgettable evening at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM, as the La Jolla Music Society presents the grand finale of its festival season, "Finale: A Song and Dance." This concert promises to be a spectacular close to the festival, featuring an eclectic mix of pieces that celebrate the joy and power of music.

The evening will commence with the lively and engaging "Selections from Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano" by Paul Schoenfield, including movements such as "Freylakh," "March," and "Kozatske," performed by the talented Jack Liebeck on violin, Anthony McGill on clarinet, and Gilles Vonsattel on piano.

The program will then transition to the rhythmic vitality of Leonard Bernstein's "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story," brought to life by pianists Gilles Vonsattel and Inon Barnatan, along with percussionists Dustin Donahue and Sidney Hopson, capturing the essence of this iconic musical.

Experience the pastoral serenity of Vaughan Williams' "The Lark Ascending," a piece that evokes the tranquil beauty of the English countryside, featuring James Ehnes on violin, with Jack Liebeck as concertmaster, accompanied by the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra.

The evening will conclude with Antonín Dvořák's uplifting "Serenade for Strings," performed by the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, offering a fittingly triumphant end to the musical journey.

This finale showcases the power of music to unite, inspire, and exhilarate, making it a must-attend event for music lovers. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live music in a celebration that promises to be both moving and memorable.

Finale: A Song and Dance

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

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.

The Road to Victory

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

Building on the sensational success of their Counterpoint program in 2021, this newly conceived performance once more pairs pianist Conrad Tao’s virtuosity with tap dancer Caleb Teicher’s rhythmic genius. A dynamic exploration of movement and music, this collaboration celebrates the dialogue between tap dance and classical music, offering a rhythmically electrifying performance experience. Now with an expanded range of instrumentation, the Synergy series brings us the World Premiere of their latest collaboration, Counterpoint II.

Counterpoint II

In this live performance of his acclaimed album Natural Machines, Dan Tepfer explores—in music—the intersection between natural and mechanical processes, improvising at the piano and interacting both musically and visually in real time with computer-written programs. It’s an innovative, groundbreaking marriage of sound and vision like no other.

JAZZ @ THE JAI: Dan Tepfer, piano

The 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

This program offers a poignant homage to remembrance and tribute through music. Ravel’s melodic Duo for Violin and Cello, which honors his mentor Claude Debussy; Arensky’s powerful Piano Trio, written in memory of beloved Russian cellist Karl Davidoff; and Fauré’s sublime Requiem, a profound reflection on the passage of life and the peace of the afterlife.

In Loving Memory

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.

California Dreamin'

This concert unfolds as a heartfelt tribute through the intimate language of chamber music, featuring Bach’s reflective early cantata, selections by VOCES8 spanning several centuries, and Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio, a musical note of gratitude to his most devoted patron. This concert embodies a journey of thankfulness, from Baroque introspection to Classical exuberance, celebrating the enduring human spirit of appreciation and connection.

Gratitude

The New York Times says 2021 GRAMMY nominee Brandee Younger has “almost single-handedly made a persuasive argument for the harp’s role in contemporary jazz.” See this jazz harp sensation and her trio up close in the intimate surroundings of our cabaret-style space.

JAZZ @ THE JAI: Brandee Younger Trio

“Mozart & Pärt” presents a sublime interplay between Mozart’s intricate “Dissonance” Quartet, embodying classical harmony with moments of striking discord, and Arvo Pärt’s minimalist, spiritual compositions. This concert explores how their contrasting sounds complement each other, creating a deeply reflective and harmonious dialogue across time.

Midweek Masterworks: Mozart & Pärt

This varied program blends the elegance of Bach’s Suite for Marimba, the passionate tangos of Piazzolla, the neoclassical charm of Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky’s most beloved ballet—offering a rich tapestry of stories told through dance.

Suite

This concert unites the poignant Mendelssohn siblings’ works—Fanny’s unduly neglected remarkable work and Felix’s stirring String Quartet, a reaction to her early passing—with compositions by artists silenced or oppressed during WWII. It embodies the spirit of perseverance and the unbreakable will of the human spirit through music.

Resilience

Join us for an enchanting evening with the La Jolla Music Society as we present "Baroque Fantasia" on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 7:30 PM in the prestigious Baker-Baum Concert Hall. This unique concert is a celebration of the Baroque era, showcasing its most imaginative and whimsical works that have captivated audiences for centuries.

"Baroque Fantasia" features a carefully curated selection of compositions that embody the essence of storytelling through music. The program includes Telemann's "Don Quixote Suite" and Purcell's excerpts from "The Fairy Queen," both of which are masterpieces of the Baroque repertoire. Additionally, the concert will feature Vivaldi's haunting "Flute Concerto in G Minor, RV 439 La Notte" and Rebel's dynamic "Les Éléments," providing a diverse and immersive musical experience.

The evening will be brought to life by an ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians, including Tessa Lark, Njioma Grevious, and Alexi Kenney on violin, Nicole Divall and James Kang on violas, Jonathan Swensen and Brian Gadbow on cellos, and Anthony Manzo on bass. The harpsichord, an instrument synonymous with the Baroque era, will be masterfully played by Jonathan Cohen, adding an authentic touch to the performance.

"Baroque Fantasia" promises to be a memorable journey through the whimsy and imagination of the Baroque era, capturing the timeless beauty and complexity of its music. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Baroque music performed by some of the most talented musicians of our time.

Baroque Fantasia

This “takeover” concert, curated by renowned composer Thomas Adès, showcases him as composer, teacher, pianist, and conductor, and includes the U.S. premiere of “Forgotten Dances” with international guitar sensation Sean Shibe.

Takeover @ The Baker-Baum

Amadeus comes alive as excerpts from Peter Shaffer’s iconic play are paired with Mozart’s sublime “Gran Partita,” blending dramatic readings with ethereal music for a captivating portrayal of Mozart’s genius.

Midweek Masterworks: Amadeus

Janáček’s “Kreutzer Sonata” Quartet, inspired by Tolstoy’s tale of jealousy and marital discord set against the backdrop of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata, pairs with Composer-in-Residence Thomas Adès. Adès performs his evocative The Tempest suite alongside these deeply passionate works.

Passions and Storms

Join us on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7:30 PM for an extraordinary evening with the La Jolla Music Society at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. The event, titled "Danse Macabre," promises a night filled with haunting melodies, mystical dance, and an unforgettable tapestry of music that bridges the ethereal with the deeply moving.

The program features a diverse range of compositions, starting with Ysaÿe's Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor "Obsession," performed by the virtuoso Augustin Hadelich. Experience the intense narratives of Ravel's works and the whimsical charm of Martin Butler's Roald Dahl-inspired "Dirty Beasts," with a cast of talented musicians including Inon Barnatan (piano), Rose Lombardo (flute/piccolo), and many more.

A highlight of the evening will be the US Premiere of Thomas Adès' "Catch," showcasing the talents of Mark Simpson (clarinet), Alexi Kenney (violin), Jay Campbell (cello), and Thomas Adès himself on piano. The program also includes Saint-Saëns' iconic "Danse Macabre for Violin and Piano, Op. 40," bringing to life the playful yet haunting themes of the night.

The evening culminates with Schubert's profound "String Quartet in D Minor, D. 810 Death and the Maiden," performed by an ensemble of exceptional musicians including Andrew Wan and Tessa Lark on violins, Teng Li on viola, and Jonathan Swensen on cello.

Don't miss this mesmerizing journey through music that oscillates between the playful and the profound, making "Danse Macabre" a night to remember.

Danse Macabre

Join us for an unforgettable Opening Night at the La Jolla Music Society on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The evening, titled "A Deal with the Devil," promises to be a mesmerizing experience held at the prestigious Baker-Baum Concert Hall. This event marks the beginning of our SYNERGY SERIES, setting the stage for a season of unparalleled performances.

The highlight of the night is the captivating production of Stravinsky's "The Soldier’s Tale," a classic narrative of a soldier's fateful agreement with the devil. This timeless story is reenvisioned through an electrifying new production under the baton of the renowned conductor Thomas Adès. The performance will feature an innovative blend of hand-drawn animation, live puppetry, and compelling storytelling, brought to life by the groundbreaking talents of The Paper Cinema. With Nicholas Rawling leading as the illustrator and artistic director, and Chris Reed as the musical director, the evening is set to be a magical journey into a world of devilish delights.

The musical program also includes a selection of pieces that complement the theme of the night, featuring world-class musicians. Inon Barnatan will perform Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz No.1, S.514" on the piano, setting the tone with its devilish charm. The evening will also showcase Tartini's "Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Continuo The Devil’s Trill," with Augustin Hadelich on violin, Inon Barnatan on harpsichord, and a to-be-announced cellist, adding a touch of eerie elegance. Paganini's "Caprice No. 24 in A Minor" will further enchant the audience with Augustin Hadelich returning to the violin.

The ensemble for "The Soldier’s Tale" includes a talented lineup: Thomas Adès as conductor, a to-be-determined actor, Alexi Kenney on violin, Mark Simpson on clarinet, Eleni Katz on bassoon, Chris Coletti on cornet, James Miller on trombone, Michael Yeung on percussion, and Anthony Manzo on bass.

Prepare to be spellbound by an evening of musical storytelling that explores the allure and consequences of a deal with the devil. This opening night is not just a concert but an immersive experience that promises to leave you captivated. Join us at the La Jolla Music Society for a night that will be talked about for years to come.

Opening Night: A Deal with the Devil

Expect a dazzling, inspiring trip through the PMJ Universe – a place where modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits alike are reimagined in classic genres like 1920s jazz, swing, doo-wop, and Motown – and brought to life by a cast of some of the world’s best singers, dancers, and instrumentalists. It’s a cross between The Great Gatsby and Sinatra at the Sands with a dash of Back to the Future.

Postmodern Jukebox - The '10' Tour

Lebanon Opera House

An evening of cutting-edge ballet is presented in Pointeworks’ inaugural performance. Five ChoreograpHERs, five voices, a captivating world premiere by Reka Gyulai, and the first time San Diego audiences will experience the thrilling works of Heather Nichols, Melody Mennite, and Caili Quan. Experience this female-led program celebrating innovative women across creative fields including choreography, music, design, and visual art—each work as distinct and unique as each ChoreograpHER. Featuring the dynamic cast of Pointeworks artists, comprised of international dancers of principal and soloist careers from Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, and across the USA.

Pointeworks Ballet

Our jazz Guest Curator Charles McPherson’s New York band performs all over the world and is acclaimed by audiences everywhere. Now the internationally renowned legend brings the best jazz musicians on the scene together for two intimate shows in The JAI, celebrating their new CD release.

The Charles McPherson Quintet

MacArthur Fellow and GRAMMY Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter Chris Thile, whom the Guardian calls “that rare being: an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical,” and NPR calls a “genre-defying musical genius,” is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek. For four years, Thile hosted public radio favorite Live from Here with Chris Thile (formerly known as A Prairie Home Companion). With his broad outlook, Thile creates a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike, giving the listener ”“one joyous arc, with the linear melody and vertical harmony blurring into a single web of gossamer beauty” (New York Times).

Chris Thile

Venezuelan joropo maestro Larry Bellorín and GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and
oldtime star Joe Troop from North Carolina are two virtuosic multi-instrumentalists
who fuse their respective Venezuelan and Appalachian folk traditions on the harp,
banjo, cuatro, fiddle, upright bass, guitar, and maracas to prove that music has
no borders. Their bilingual program in English and Spanish includes storytelling,
humor, and singalongs for a unique evening you won’t soon forget.

Larry & Joe

Born in Paris to Chinese parents, Bruce Liu grew up in Montreal, and took the classical music world by storm in 2021 when he won the First Prize at the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. Performances around the globe followed, as well as an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon.

Bruce Liu, piano

Terry Virts retired from the space program after having achieved nearly everything he ever dreamed possible, including serving in the US Air Force as an F-16 fighter and test pilot, piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavour, serving as Commander for the International Space Station, and conducting three spacewalks during a 200-day mission in 2014 and 2015.

Terry Virts

A bold, compelling, South Korean virtuoso, at home on both classical and electric guitar, a champion of cutting-edge composers worldwide. Praised by The Washington Post for her “mesmerizing” and “stirring” performances, JIJI is an exciting guitarist known for her virtuosity and command of diverse repertoire. Her concert programs range from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation.

JIJI, guitar

Our inaugural Jazz @ The JAI Guest Curator, legendary award-winning saxophonist Charles McPherson, and John Beasley, two-time GRAMMY winner, pianist, and composer, curate a program from Duke Ellington through the eras of jazz up to what’s happening now. John Beasley is joined by a roster of rising star jazz artists.

Charles & Friends: John Beasley and the Next Generation

Prizewinner at the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition and SONY Classical exclusive artist, Pablo Ferrández is hailed as a “new cello genius” (Le Figaro). A captivating performer, “Ferrández has the lot: technique, mettle, spirit, authority as a soloist, expressivity and charm” (El Pais).
He has turned into a cello phenomenon and one of the most in-demand instrumentalists of his generation.

Pablo Ferrández, cello

Under Louis Robitaille’s artistic direction, in collaboration with stage director Eric Jean and 14 dazzling dancers, three international choreographers—Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Ihsan Rustem—evoke in “five seasons” the grand cycles of existence, as captured in the music and poems of Leonard Cohen. The revered torch singer’s words find new expression through dance in this stylish, sexy, and innovative program, which received Cohen’s blessing before he passed.

Ballets Jazz Montréal

San Diego Civic Theatre

Three renowned visionary artists of the next generation combine talents in this eclectic new piano trio, Junction. Violinist Stefan Jackiw, recognized for musicianship that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique, returns with pianist Conrad Tao and cellist Jay Campbell. Tao, who appears worldwide as a pianist and composer, has been dubbed a musician of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” by the New York Times. Approaching both old and new works with the same curiosity and emotional commitment, Campbell has been called “electrifying” by the New York Times. Recent concerts of the trio have included performances at Washington Performing Arts, Portland Ovations and the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.

Junction Trio

Composer and musician Kaki King is considered one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, known both for her technical mastery and for her constant quest to push the boundaries of the instrument. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” Kaki has released nine albums and toured extensively, presenting in such prestigious arts centers as the Kennedy Center, MoMA, LACMA, The Met and Smithsonian Design Museum. She has created music for numerous film and TV soundtracks, including August Rush and Into the Wild, for which received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score.

Kaki King

LJMS welcomes back a legend of classical piano and dear friend of the company in a stunning program of great works.

Internationally recognized as one of today’s most acclaimed and admired pianists, Yefim Bronfman stands among a handful of artists regularly sought by festivals, orchestras, conductors and recital series. His commanding technique, power and exceptional lyrical gifts are consistently acknowledged by the press and audiences alike.

Yefim Bronfman

A new project pairing her incomparable piano mastery with string quartet featuring PUBLIQuartet. In the two decades since Hiromi released her stunning debut album Another Mind, the Japanese pianist/composer has blazed an incandescent trail across the jazz scene. Her fertile imagination and boundless creativity seem to ripple out of her as effortlessly as her virtuosic pianism. Equally impressive in acoustic or electric settings, she delves into a different kind of fusion on her latest project that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication.

Hiromi Quintet/PUBLIQuartet

Ever since the 2003 release of her groundbreaking debut, Another Mind, pianist Hiromi has astonished audiences with a creative energy that eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical, and pop, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication. Taking the stage as part of the electrified four-piece ensemble sonicwonder, Hiromi builds on the spark of collaboration to create something magnificent.

Hiromi’s Sonicwonder

Cuban piano phenomenon Dayramir González began his professional career as a pianist and composer with former Irakere member Chucho Valdés’ Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble Diákara at the age of 16. Since winning Havana’s JoJazz festival in 2004 and 2005, González has gone on to win three Cubadisco awards for his 2007 debut album, Dayramir & Habana enTRANCé, and the 2013 Wayne Shorter Award for most outstanding jazz composer.

Dayramir Gonzalez & Habana enTRANCé

Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. Throughout his explorations, he has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice. With an illustrious career spanning five decades and 14 GRAMMY Awards, including Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters, he continues to amaze audiences across the globe.

Herbie Hancock

Sirocco is a celebration of folk traditions from around the world, led by the inimitable Abel Selaocoe, a musician described as “a star in the making,” (The Arts Desk) and UK-based Manchester Collective for a program that weaves between original settings of African music, Danish folk songs, and classical music like you’ve never heard it before. When this program toured across the UK and Europe, critics described it as a “deeply moving” and “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Abel Selaocoe and Manchester Collective

In Spring 2020, Quatuor Ébène launched its “Beethoven Around the World” project, recording Beethoven’s 16 string quartets in a worldwide project on six continents. With this complete recording, the four celebrated their 20th stage anniversary, which they then crowned with performances of the complete string quartet cycle in major European venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris and the Alte Oper Frankfurt and invitations from Carnegie Hall, the Verbier Festival, and the Vienna Konzerthaus.

Quatuor Ébène

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this popular countertenor highlight rarely performed early music repertoire with the acclaimed chamber orchestra Il Pomo d’Oro, in a program that includes works by Monteverdi, Frescobaldi, Cavalli, Sartorio, and many more.

Jakub Józef Orlinski with II Pomo D’Oro

Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray Chen is a violinist who redefines what it is to be a classical musician in the 21st century. With a media presence reaching out to millions, his remarkable musicianship transmits to a global audience that is reflected in his engagements with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world.

Ray Chen, violin

Revel in the magic and mystery of Vivaldi concertos for flute and guitar. Additional baroque treasures include masterworks by Marin Marais and J. C. Bach. Also featured is Concierto Barocco by José Enrique González-Medina; a glowing work with ardent Baroque nuance.

Vivaldi's Magic

Called by the late President Nelson Mandela “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World,” the all-male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo came to international prominence after singing with Paul Simon on his smash hit 1986 album Graceland. They have become internationally famous and have won multiple awards, including five GRAMMYs, and received more GRAMMY Award nominations (19) than any World Music group in the history of recorded music. More than 60 years after their creation, the current members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo continue to live out the group’s mission of bringing peace and harmony to the world through musical performance of the highest quality.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

One of the premier Indian dance ensembles performing today, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has the unprecedented distinction of making The New York Times’ “Best Dance of the Year” list two consecutive years in a row. More than a dance company, Nrityagram was founded as a Gurukula (school) devoted to Indian dance. The all-female ensemble’s daily life of intensive training and meditation brings to the stage compelling captivating performances that are at once sensual and lyrical, accompanied by live music.

Nrityagram Dance Ensemble

Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change! Founded by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Shepherd (he/him/they), this intergenerational group creates brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop. You and your little ones will explore elements of hip hop together, have shared moments to express and uplift affirmations and reflections, and get your bodies MOVING in celebration and joy!

Alphabet Rockers

Collision of Rhythm delivers a high-energy performance with a wide range of instruments including drums and percussion, piano, marimba, saxophone, and beatboxing—with the unique elements of tap-dancing and bounce juggling. The duo is comprised of musical virtuoso and award-winning educator Aaron Williams and accomplished performer and keynote speaker Bronkar Lee. Together, they bring a mind-blowing and wildly captivating rhythmic experience with an empowering message of joy and connection through music. This inspiring show is jam-packed with audience interaction, laughter, engaging stories, and jaw-dropping performances for all ages and backgrounds.

Collision Of Rhythm

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, NEA Jazz Master, GRAMMY Award winner, and Tony Award nominee, is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

Branford Marsalis Quartet

Post-post-modern diva Meow Meow has hypnotized, inspired, and terrified audiences globally with unique creations and sell-out seasons from New York’s Lincoln Center and Berlin’s Bar Jeder Vernunft to London’s West End and the Sydney Opera House. Named one of the Top Performers of the Year by The New Yorker, the crowd-surfing artist has been called “sensational” (The Times), a “diva of the highest order” (New York Post), “The Queen of Chanson” (Berliner Zeitung), and “a phenomenon” by the Australian press. Her award-winning works have been curated by David Bowie, Pina Bausch, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and numerous international arts festivals.

Meow Meow

Kings Return made a triumphant SummerFest debut in 2021, bringing audiences to their feet with their a cappella stylings inspired by gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, and classical music. The group became internet sensations in 2016 when they started posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearsed and now have more than 10 million views across digital platforms.

Kings Return

Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Sam Green (The Weather Underground), in collaboration with Emmy Award®-winning writer and editor Joe Bini (Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, Grizzly Man), takes the stage with the legendary classical music group Kronos Quartet to create a “live documentary” that chronologically unfolds the quartet’s groundbreaking, continent-spanning, multi-decade career. Wildly creative and experimental in form, A Thousand Thoughts is a meditation on music itself—the act of listening closely to music, the experience of feeling music deeply, and the power that music has to change the world.

Kronos Quartet & Sam Green

Described as “phenomenally musical,” (Daily Journal), dynamic young violinist Maria Ioudenitch has won multiple awards and is poised on the cusp of a major international career.

Maria Ioudenitch, violin

A star of the Metropolitan Opera, Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world’s top stages and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. Captivating audiences and critics around the globe, he has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times) and “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian).

Lawrence Brownlee

Get swept away to the sounds of Spanish guitars in a rapturous, romantic evening devoted to love and the human condition. Follow the world’s most famous Latin lover through his triumphs and tragedies, as he journeys the world in his search for fulfillment. Soulful and sizzling. Truly poetry in motion!

The Many Loves of Don Juan

During his 15-year career, Ambrose Akinmusire has paradoxically situated himself in both the center and the periphery of jazz, masterfully weaving inspiration from other genres, arts, and life in general into compositions that are as poetic and graceful as they are bold and unflinching.

Ambrose Akinmusire Trio

The Arod Quartet returns to La Jolla after their sensational Discovery Series debut in 2022. Based in Paris, the quartet first came to international attention when they won first prize at the 2015 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition and the 2016 ARD International Music Competition. Praised by Gramophone for its “expressive flexibility and delicacy of detail and keen ear for balance and harmonic flux” and hailed by Le Monde as a “luxury instrument that many composers dream to seize.”

Arod Quartet

The musical history of the Assad Family began in the 1950s with Seu Jorge, a self-taught mandolinist, and his wife Dona Ica, praised by the LA Times as “The Billie Holiday of Brazil.” Together they passed on to their children, Sérgio, Odair and Badi, their passion for music, but they never imagined that it would blossom into the phenomenon that would make “Assad” musicians known all over the world.

Clarice & Sergio Assad

Please join us at The Conrad for a Valentine’s Day celebration of music and romance at the 2024 WinterFest Gala.

WinterFest Gala 2024

LJMS’ own SummerFest Music Director, Inon Barnatan, and America’s greatest living soprano, Renée Fleming, come together for a recital program that will be the ultimate Valentine’s Day celebration. One of the most beloved and celebrated singers in the world, Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence, and has won every award and accolade imaginable. Together she and Barnatan, one of the most sought-after classical pianists of our time, will present a program to captivate, thrill, and inspire.

Renee Fleming, soprano

Blue Note Records is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with a US tour starring The Blue Note Quintet, a group brought together to honor the label’s rich history and pave the way for the eclectic artists of today’s roster. Six-time GRAMMY Award nominee Gerald Clayton leads the band as musical director and pianist. “Gerald Clayton is one of the most accomplished, distinctive and innovative pianists performing today” says Don Was, the label’s President since 2012. Rounding out the group is vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer.

The Blue Note 85th Anniversary Celebration Tour

The Balourdet Quartet, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is currently in residence at the New England Conservatory’s Professional String Quartet Program. The quartet received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as prizes in international competitions including the Banff, Paolo Borciani, and Carl Nielsen competitions. They were also awarded the Gold Medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition.

Balourdet Quartet

Journey to Buenos Aires with Camarada as they recreate their 2023 Argentinian tour experience for you. This performance includes the world premiere of a new commission by Andrés Martín as well as the genius of Astor Piazzolla. Let our Camarada Tango Quartet transport you to the streets of Buenos Aires with a treasured tour of tango music and dance that’s not to be missed!

Tango Buenos Aires

Look no further for top-notch ballet that’s also uproariously funny! The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company, famed for performing en travesti and on pointe, is back with another sensational program spoofing some of your favorite works—for the first time in San Diego. The virtuosity and technical prowess of these dancers amaze even as they exaggerate the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. As pioneers of diversity and acceptance, the Trocks’ mission continues: to bring the pleasure of dance to the widest possible audience.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Voted “Rising Star Alto Saxophonist in the 2020 Downbeat Critics Poll and “Up and Coming Artist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association, charismatic and dynamic young saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip hop, and soul. For this JAI debut, Benjamin features the quartet from her 2023 release Phoenix, an album that also featured cameos by some of Benjamin’s heroes including Wayne Shorter, Angela Davis, Dianne Reeves, and Patrice Rushen.

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix

Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen have conquered the classical music scene with personality, charm, and exciting programs showcasing the unbreakable bond of their duets, whether on one piano or two. On their way to Carnegie Hall, the dynamic and charismatic brothers make their California debuts and demonstrate why Pianist magazine called them “a photogenic pair of musical wizards.”

Lucas & Arthur Jussen

The Canadian-born pianist Tony Siqi Yun recently made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra performing Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He first met Maestro Nézet-Séguin in the final round of the inaugural China International Music Competition in 2019, where he went on to win First Prize and a Gold Medal performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1. Other recent concerto performances have included the Cleveland Orchestra (Tchaikovsky), Toronto and Orchestre Métropolitain in Montreal (Clara Schumann) and the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris (Beethoven).

Tony Siqi Yun

Brooklyn-based singer and bandleader Tatiana Eva-Marie was born and raised in Europe in a professional musical family. The daughter of a Swiss-French composer and a Romanian classical violinist, Tatiana Eva-Marie grew up equally fascinated by her father’s New Orleans jazz records, and her mother’s heritage of Klezmer and Gypsy folk music.

Tatiana Eva-Marie

A jazz pianist and composer based in New York City, Sean Mason is emerging as one of the premier talents of his generation. He has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, among many others, and was featured on Branford Marsalis’ film score to the acclaimed Netflix production of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Hear him and the members of his quartet for the first time in San Diego!

Sean Mason Quartet

Come join the demo of the Digital Auditorium where La Jolla Music Society can host digital events and engage their audience in a new way.

Digital Auditorium Demo

La Jolla Music Society's Digital Auditorium

Let your yule tide spirits soar with San Diego icon Peter Sprague as he spins his compositional expertise into the soundtrack of the beloved holiday television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz

Phenomenal 22-year-old pianist Matthew Whitaker has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and now shares his irrepressible musicianship with his quartet in the intimate space of The JAI.

Matthew Whitaker Quartet

Music Brings Us Home: A Soulful Benefit Concert is Voices of Our City Choir’s largest concert of the year. Presented by Musicpower.org and featuring Voices of Our City Choir with special guest Wyn Starks, this event celebrates our choir members’ journeys and unstoppable talent.

Voices of Our City Choir

A New World returns to San Diego! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and power of FINAL FANTASY music in its most intimate setting. The incredible New World Players chamber ensemble, led by acclaimed conductor Eric Roth, will perform classics and surprises, battle medleys and character themes from throughout the entire series. Specially featuring the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu, Masayoshi Soken and more, A New World delivers an amazing communal music event!

A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY3

Celebrate the holidays with La Jolla Music Society at this festive, FREE event for the whole family!

You won’t want to miss seeing the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a cider or classic hot cocoa, storytime, crafts for kids, and finish your holiday shopping with local artisans at our holiday market.

Featuring live musical performances of holiday favorites from the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus with a special guest appearance by Davina from Davina and the Vagabonds!

2023 Holiday Open House

The incomparable Davina returns to The JAI for two fun holiday-themed shows like no other! Davina and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, top musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. You’ll have a blast singing along with Davina to your holiday favorites.

Davina and the Vagabonds

With overwhelming talent and innate musicality, Seong-Jin Cho is one of the consummate talents and most distinctive artists of his generation.

Seong-Jin Cho

It’s all about the BUBBLES when Italian clown and actor Michele Cafaggi comes to town! Michele Cafaggi studied acting, circus arts, mime, clowning, and theatrical improvisation between Milan and Paris and has performed in research theater and company theater. But he found his true calling when he became the first artist in Italy to develop a giant bubble technique to create an entire theatrical show dedicated to soap bubbles. Since 1993 he has performed as a street and theater artist in Italy and across four continents and 20 countries, collaborating with theatres, youth aggregation centers, retirement homes, prisons, schools, kindergartens, and hospitals. Now it’s time for his giant bubbles to take over San Diego!

The Magic of Bubbles

The Latin GRAMMY Award–winning, all-female Flor de Toloache mixes tradition and innovation, breaking boundaries with its edgy, versatile, and fresh take on traditional Latin American music.

Flor de Toloache

With an innate musical sensitivity and naturalness to his artistry, 24-year-old pianist Mao Fujita has already impressed many leading musicians as one of those special talents which come along only rarely, equally at home in Mozart as the major romantic repertoire.

Mao Fujita, piano

From the mind of acclaimed composer Clarice Assad comes TAPESTRY, an amalgamation of the ideas of dozens of female composers from across the globe, built as a celebration of women. Performed by pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, violinists Ida Kavafian and Kerry McDermott, violist Clara Neubauer and cellist Ani Aznavoorian

Tapestry | From the Mind of Clarice Assad

Private dinner honoring 2023 San Diego Genius honoree, Dr. David Brenner (President/CEO Sanford Burnham Prebys) with Mainly Mozart artists Clarice Assad and Anne-Marie McDermott. All in the JAI at The Conrad.

San Diego Genius Award Dinner

Renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein returns for the second installment of her groundbreaking, multi-year project FRAGMENTS. This innovative series weaves together the 36 movements of Bach’s solo cello suites with 27 newly commissioned works. The resulting collection is divided into six Fragments, each an hour long and blending five to six composers, to be released independently over several seasons—the first of these graced our stage in the 2022–23 season. Within each Fragment, individual movements from a single Bach suite are thoughtfully integrated with selected new works to create a new emotional arc. Enhanced by responsive lighting and scenic architecture, the music is performed without pause and without a program, making for a wholly original and immersive audience experience.

Alisa Weilerstein: Fragments 2

An intimate evening of chamber music featuring works by Mozart & Schumann as well as the world premiere of an original work by Mainly Mozart Advanced Orchestra member, Edric Saphire, performed by internationally renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, San Diego Symphony (SDSO) concertmaster Jeff Thayer, SDSO associate concertmaster Wesley Precourt, SDSO principal viola Chi-Yuan Chen, SDSO principal cello Yao Zhao and SDSO principal bassoon Valentin Martchev.

Tradition & Tomorrow | Anne-Marie McDermott & San Diego Symphony Principals

Joshua White is one of the music scene’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists. Praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock as having “immense talent” and lauded for his “daring and courageous approach to improvisation … on the cutting edge of innovation,” Joshua has distinguished himself as a formidable leader of distinct voice among his peers.

La Jolla Music Society

Dec 5, 2024

BARBARA HANNIGAN, soprano & BERTRAND CHAMAYOU, piano

Dec 7, 2024

KINGS ReJOYCE!

Dec 14, 2024

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Dec 15, 2024

Connie Han Trio

Jan 10, 2025

Jeremy Denk

Nov 21, 2024

Alexa Tarantino Quartet

Nov 17, 2024

ENCANTO: The Sing-Along Film Concert

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