SUMMERFEST 2025
JULY 25–AUGUST 23
Inon Barnatan, Music Director
SUMMERFEST 2025
Inon Barnatan, Music Director
VIOLIN
Benjamin Beilman
Noah Bendix-Balgley
Owen Dalby*
Liza Ferschtman
Vilde Frang*
Jennifer Frautschi
Alan Gilbert
Njioma Chineyere Grevious
Stefan Jackiw
Erin Keefe
Alexi Kenney
Tessa Lark
Yura Lee
Nathan Meltzer*
Blake Pouliot
Stephen Waarts*
Andrew Wan
VIOLA
Misha Amory
Kyle Armbrust*
Hsin-Yun Huang
Yura Lee
Teng Li
Matthew Lipman
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt
Masumi Per Rostad
Jonathan Vinocour
CELLO
Nicolas Altstaedt*
Sterling Elliott
Zlatomir Fung*
Clive Greensmith
Ivan Karizna*
Jonathan Swensen
Alisa Weilerstein
Kajsa William-Olsson
Kyril Zlotnikov
BASS
Samuel Hager
Jeremy Kurtz-Harris
Anthony Manzo
PIANO
Timo Andres
Matthew Aucoin*
Yulianna Avdeeva*
Inon Barnatan
Aaron Diehl
Melonie Grinnell*
Conor Hanick*
Ying Li ‡
Steven Osborne*
Juho Pohjonen
HARPSICHORD
Ruben Valenzuela
FLUTE
Rose Lombardo
CLARINET
Anthony McGill
Ricardo Morales*
Jay Shankar
OBOE
Nicholas Daniel BASSOON
Peter Kolkay*
HORN
Mark Almond*
Stefan Dohr
Kaylet Torrez
VOICE
Renée Fleming*
Zachary Wilder*
HARP
Julie Smith Phillips
CONDUCTOR
Alan Gilbert
Osmo Vänskä
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE
Jessie Montgomery*
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Patrick Castillo*
Nic Gareiss*
J. Kenji López-Alt*
Caleb Teicher
ENSEMBLES
Cécile McLorin Salvant: Book of Ayres
Cécile McLorin Salvant, voice
Sullivan Fortner, piano/harpsichord
keyboards
Emi Ferguson, flute
Dušan Balarin*, theorbo/lute
Yasushi Nakamura, bass/violone
Keita Ogawa*, percussion
FARFY FOUNDATION
FELLOWSHIP ENSEMBLES
Hesper Quartet*†
Valerie Kim, Yejin Yoon, violins;
Sohui Yun, viola; Connor Kim, cello
Larinae Ensemble*†
Stephanie Tang, piano;
Jake Dongyoung Shim, violin;
Joseph Skerik, viola;
Jakob Giovanni Taylor, cello
FILMMAKER-IN RESIDENCE
Tristan Cook
*SummerFest debut
† Farfy Foundation
Fellowship Artist
‡ Young Concert Artists (YCA) Artist-in-Residence
THE CONRAD
Home of La Jolla Music Society
Todd R. Schultz
President & CEO
About the cover art: Ruth Asawa, Desert Plant (TAM.1460), 1965. Color lithograph 18 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (47 × 47 cm)
Collection Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Martin L. Gleich, San Diego, 1970.111
© 2025 Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc., Courtesy David Zwirner
Leah Rosenthal
Artistic Director
Tessa Lark
From the Music Director
“Music is enough for a lifetime— but a lifetime is not enough for music.” – Sergei Rachmaninoff
Welcome to La Jolla SummerFest 2025, where this year’s theme, Milestones, invites us to reflect on the defining moments in a creative life—the breakthroughs, turning points, and quiet revolutions that shape both an artist and their art.
This summer, we explore the evolution of musical voices across time: the sparks of youthful genius, the bold declarations of mid-career mastery, and the profound beauty of final works. From Brahms and Korngold to Strauss and Messiaen, each program illuminates a moment when music—and the people who create it—are transformed.
We open the season with an evening of exuberant youth and brilliance, as well as a lifetime’s worth of milestones in an extraordinary presentation of Philip Glass’s Complete Piano Etudes, performed by ten pianists in a rare and powerful collective statement.
Our Synergy Initiative returns with a vibrant array of interdisciplinary performances: Tasting Notes, a flavorful and thought-provoking collaboration with chef and author J. Kenji López-Alt; Book of Ayres, in which vocal icon Cécile McLorin Salvant and her extraordinary ensemble reimagine early music through a contemporary lens; and Dance @ The JAI, a kinetic and genre-blurring evening with percussive dance visionaries Caleb Teicher and Nic Gareiss and the extraordinary Tessa Lark.
Our Midweek Masterworks series offers immersive, intermission-free concerts that give fresh perspective on landmark repertoire, followed by sparkling wine and conversation in the courtyard.
At the heart of it all are the remarkable artists of SummerFest—an international community of musicians, many returning and many making their festival debuts, each bringing their own milestones, their own journeys, and their own voice to this stage.
Join us for a season of discovery, reflection, and celebration—as we mark the milestones that define us and the music that carries us forward.
Inon
Barnatan Music Director
Inon Barnatan
THE CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENT OF THE SUMMER
20 Concerts | Over 80 Artists
More than 50 Learning & Engagement Events
The world’s best classical musicians come to San Diego for four weeks of unparalleled musical experiences at SummerFest.
The inviting and celebratory atmosphere of SummerFest begins the moment you enter the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. Enjoy delicious concessions from Giuseppe’s Fine Catering and feed your mind and soul with over 50 free Learning & Engagement Activities led by SummerFest artists, esteemed music scholars, and La Jolla Music Society staff. We cannot wait to welcome you to the SummerFest community!
“ A gem of a chamber music festival.”
— The Wall Street Journal
“ An upscale Coachella for classical lovers.”
— San Diego Magazine
As you browse the brochure look out for these
SYNERGY INITIATIVE
The Synergy Initiative brings top creators of music, dance, spoken word, and visual arts to collaborate across their different art forms. This series, co-produced by Inon Barnatan and Clara Wu Tsai, offers a contemporary and fascinating spin on the classical experience, which inspires audiences in unexpected and powerful ways.
MIDWEEK MASTERWORKS
Wednesdays just got a lot more fun! These popular intermission-less concerts feature at least one of the “greatest hits” from the chamber music repertoire and include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd after the performance. Join us for a midweek cheers!
OPENING NIGHT: Great Expectations
FRIDAY JULY 25 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Join in the celebration at the most sought-after concert of the summer!
A thrilling kickoff showcasing the bold early steps of master composers, sparking the festival’s journey through chamber music’s most transformative milestones.
MOZART Divertimento in D Major, K.136 SummerFest Chamber Orchestra
RAVEL Ma Mère l’Oye for Piano Four-Hands
Yulianna Avdeeva, Steven Osborne, piano
RACHMANINOFF Valse and Romance for Piano Six-Hands
Yulianna Avdeeva, Inon Barnatan, Steven Osborne, piano
ENESCU String Octet in C Major, Op. 7
Yura Lee, Nathan Meltzer, Njioma Chineyere Grevious, Jennifer Frautschi, violins; Matthew Lipman, Jonathan Vinocour, violas; Jonathan Swensen, Clive Greensmith, cellos
Yulianna Avdeeva
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
SATURDAY JULY 26 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Experience Philip Glass’ mesmerizing etudes in their entirety as you’ve never heard them before—as ten notable pianists share the stage in a unique and epic evening celebrating the iconic composer.
PHILIP GLASS The Complete Piano Etudes
Timo Andres, Matthew Aucoin, Yulianna Avdeeva, Inon Barnatan, Aaron Diehl, Melonie Grinnell, Conor Hanick, Ying Li‡, Steven Osborne, Juho Pohjonen, piano
This
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
JAI
The
Interview with Timo Andres hosted by Allison Boles
performance of Philip Glass: The Complete Etudes is presented by special arrangement with Pomegranate Arts.
Listed in order: Timo Andres, Matthew Aucoin, Yulianna Avdeeva, Inon Barnatan, Aaron Diehl, Melonie Grinnell, Conor Hanick, Ying Li ‡, Steven Osborne, and Juho Pohjonen.
Philip Glass
EMERGENCE
SUNDAY JULY 27 | 3 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
From first-ever compositions to familiar favorites, this eye-opening concert highlights pieces that catapulted these composers to stardom.
MAHLER Piano Quartet in A Minor
Juho Pohjonen, piano; Jennifer Frautschi, violin; Jonathan Vinocour, viola; Clive Greensmith, cello
CHOPIN Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
Two Mazurkas from Op. 7
Yulianna Avdeeva, piano
CLARKE Viola Sonata
Yura Lee, viola; Yulianna Avdeeva, piano
SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Quintet in G Minor, Op. 57
Steven Osborne, piano; Nathan Meltzer,
Njioma Chineyere Grevious, violins; Matthew Lipman, viola; Jonathan Swensen, cello
PRELUDE 2 PM
NEW YORK TAKEOVER @ THE JAI
SUNDAY JULY 27 | 7 PM
The JAI
Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of New York’s contemporary scene as three of its most celebrated composers—Matthew Aucoin, Timo Andres, and Patrick Castillo—bring their boundary-pushing works to The JAI, showcasing the bold creative art born in the city that never sleeps. FREE
11 AM SATURDAY, JULY 26
TIMO ANDRES Fiddlehead
Everything Is An Onion
Timo Andres, piano
PATRICK CASTILLO Skyline Palimpsest
Hesper Quartet†
Valerie Kim, Yejin Yoon, violins; Sohui Yun, viola; Connor Kim, cello
MATTHEW AUCOIN Sources of Lift for Two Pianos
Matthew Aucoin, Conor Hanick, pianos
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Lecture by Patrick Castillo
Yura Lee
Timo Andres
YOUTHFUL PASSIONS
WEDNESDAY JULY 30 | 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Witness the fiery energy of young Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Jörg Widmann, capturing the raw drive that propels artistic vision from promise to breakthrough.
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3
Liza Ferschtman, violin; Clive Greensmith, cello;
Juho Pohjonen, piano
JÖRG WIDMANN 180 Beats Per Minute
Njioma Chineyere Grevious, Nathan Meltzer, violins;
Matthew Lipman, Jonathan Vinocour, violas;
Kajsa William-Olsson, Jonathan Swensen, cellos
MENDELSSOHN String Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
Stefan Jackiw, Blake Pouliot, Alan Gilbert, Nathan Meltzer, violins;
Jonathan Vinocour, Matthew Lipman, violas;
Jonathan Swensen, Ivan Karizna, cellos
After the concert, join us in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd for a celebratory glass of sparkling wine!
PRELUDE
6 PM
FREE OPEN REHEARSAL
1 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 29
The JAI Lecture by Patrick Castillo
Njioma Chineyere Grevious
NORTHERN LIGHTS
FRIDAY AUGUST 1 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Immerse yourself in the ethereal Nordic soundscape of Nielsen, Mustonen, and Sibelius, whose crystalline textures and sweeping melodies evoke the radiance of Scandinavia.
NIELSEN String Quintet
Blake Pouliot, Alan Gilbert, violins; Kyle Armbrust, Sohui Yun†, violas;
Kajsa William-Olsson, cello
OLLI MUSTONEN Nonet No. 2
Blake Pouliot, Liza Ferschtman, Stefan Jackiw, Jake Dongyoung Shim†, violins;
Kyle Armbrust, Joseph Skerik†, violas; Jonathan Swensen, Ivan Karizna, cellos;
Anthony Manzo, bass
SIBELIUS String Quartet in D Minor, Op. 56 “Voces intimae”
Stefan Jackiw, Liza Ferschtman, violins; Jonathan Vinocour, viola;
Clive Greensmith, cello
MUSICAL PRELUDE
6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Performance by Hesper Quartet†
Liza Ferschtman
PRODIGIES
SATURDAY AUGUST 2 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
MUSICAL PRELUDE 6:30 PM
Marvel at the remarkable beauty of early masterpieces by history’s greatest prodigies who revolutionized the world of chamber music.
HANDEL Trio Sonata for Oboe, Violin and Continuo in C Minor
Nicholas Daniel, oboe; Stefan Jackiw, violin;
Ruben Valenzuela, harpsichord; Jakob Giovanni Taylor†, cello
MOZART Piano Quartet in G Minor, K.478
Inon Barnatan, piano; Alan Gilbert, violin;
Jonathan Vinocour, viola; Clive Greensmith, cello
KORNGOLD String Sextet in D Major, Op. 10
Liza Ferschtman, Blake Pouliot, violins;
Jonathan Vinocour, Kyle Armbrust, violas; Ivan Karizna, Jonathan Swensen, cellos
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Performance by Larinae Ensemble †
Clive Greensmith
FOR THE END OF TIME
TUESDAY AUGUST 5 | 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Superstar conductor Alan Gilbert, legendary soprano Renée Fleming, and SummerFest Music Director Inon Barnatan come together for an evening of gripping and passionate works not to be missed.
MESSIAEN Quatuor pour la fin du Temps
Inon Barnatan, piano; Alan Gilbert, violin; Nicolas Altstaedt, cello; Ricardo Morales, clarinet
STRAUSS Four Last Songs (arr. James Ledger)
Renée Fleming, soprano
SummerFest Chamber Orchestra; Alan Gilbert, conductor
PRELUDE 6 PM
The JAI Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano
Renée Fleming
Inon Barnatan
Alan Gilbert
TAKEOVER @ THE JAI
Curated by Jessie Montgomery
THURSDAY AUGUST 7 | 7 PM
The JAI Jessie Montgomery, the 2023 Musical America Composer of the Year and our 2025 Composer-in-Residence, is a GRAMMY®-winning composer, violinist, and educator. In her Takeover concert, she curates an evening featuring our esteemed festival artists that offers a glimpse into the reasons behind her rise to prominence as one of the most performed and sought-after composers of our time.
An opportunity like no other to share an artist’s distinct vision, past Takeovers have been presented by Composers-in-Residence such as Gabriela Lena Frank, Thomas Adès, David Lang, and Caroline Shaw.
“ One of the most distinctive and communicative voices in the US, as a player and a creator.”
— BBC
Jessie Montgomery
STRUNG TOGETHER
FRIDAY AUGUST 8 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Experience the synergy of composer-performers Montgomery, Ysaÿe, and Dvořák, each intimately bound to the strings they played as they forged new frontiers.
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Concerto Grosso
Stefan Jackiw, violin solo;
Nicholas Daniel, oboe; Noah Bendix-Balgley,
Jake Dongyoung Shim†, violins; Kyle Armbrust, viola;
Anthony Manzo, bass; Stephanie Tang†, piano
YSAŸE Sonata for Two Violins
Vilde Frang, Stephan Waarts, violins
DVOŘÁK Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81
Inon Barnatan, piano; Noah Bendix-Balgley,
Stefan Jackiw, violins; Teng Li, viola;
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
FREE OPEN REHEARSAL
1 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
MUSICAL PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Performance by Hesper Quartet†
Noah Bendix-Balgley
HOMAGE
SUNDAY AUGUST 10 | 3 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Greatness inspires greatness. Homage honors the profound exchange of influence between composers with an extraordinary collection of soul-stirring works that channel the spirit of past masters.
PURCELL Chacony in G Minor (arr. Britten)
Blake Pouliot, Stephen Waarts, violins; Joseph Skerik†, viola;
Sterling Elliott, cello
BRITTEN String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36
Stephen Waarts, Blake Pouliot, violins; Teng Li, viola;
Sterling Elliott, cello
TCHAIKOVSKY Souvenir d’un Lieu Cher
Blake Pouliot, violin; Inon Barnatan, piano
ARENSKY String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 35
Vilde Frang, violin; Teng Li, viola;
Alisa Weilerstein, Nicolas Altstaedt, cellos
PRELUDE
2 PM The JAI Lecture
Sterling Elliott
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13 | 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
By weaving ideas and elements of earlier musical traditions into their compositions, these cherished composers created fresh, dynamic pieces that showcase the influence of history on the development of exciting new music.
BRAHMS Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38
Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Inon Barnatan, piano
KOECHLIN Quatre Petites Pièces
Erin Keefe, violin; Stefan Dohr, horn; Inon Barnatan, piano
GLAZUNOV String Quintet in A Major, Op.39
Tessa Lark, Erin Keefe, violins; Teng Li, viola; Sterling Elliott, Nicolas Altstaedt, cellos
After the concert, join us in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd for a celebratory glass of sparkling wine!
Alisa Weilerstein
TASTING NOTES
THURSDAY AUGUST 14 | 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
In this Synergy Series event, James Beard Award-winning culinary icon J. Kenji López-Alt leads an extraordinary exploration of the parallels between music and food. As a dynamic ensemble of world-class musicians perform works including Dvořák’s Piano Quartet, one of four acclaimed guest chefs—curated by López-Alt—will prepare a dish live on stage, their creative process projected in real time for the audience to witness. Between movements, chefs and musicians engage in a lively conversation about their shared artistry, improvisation, and inspiration. Tasting Notes is a multisensory experience unlike any other at SummerFest—an unforgettable meeting of culinary and musical mastery. Featuring musicians Inon Barnatan, piano; Tessa Lark, violin; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; Sterling Elliott, cello Cooking demonstrations from chefs J. Kenji López-Alt, Sean Sherman, Kelly Van Arsdale, Claudette Zepeda, and more.
Media Sponsor
Image courtesy of Seattle Chamber Music Society / Jenna Poppe
LOVE SONGS
FRIDAY AUGUST 15 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Delve into these personal dedications—whether romantic or artistic— in which composers transform love into music, revealing profound emotional milestones born from deep devotion.
SCHUBERT Auf Der Strom for Tenor, Horn and Piano, D. 943
Zachary Wilder, tenor; Stefan Dohr, horn; Inon Barnatan, piano
SCHUMANN Piano Trio No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 110
Alexi Kenney, violin; Nicolas Altstaedt, cello; Inon Barnatan, piano
PÄRT Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
SummerFest Chamber Orchestra; Osmo Vänskä, conductor
BRITTEN Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31
Zachary Wilder, tenor; Stefan Dohr, horn; SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä, conductor
MUSICAL PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Performance by Larinae Ensemble †
Stefan Dohr
CÉCILE McLORIN SALVANT BOOK
OF AYRES
SATURDAY AUGUST 16 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Vocal luminary Cécile McLorin Salvant returns to SummerFest with an ensemble of superstar performers to reimagine early music, jazz, and folk in a boundary-blurring exploration. The three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer explores the world of Baroque music and transforms it into something contemporary, exciting, and truly captivating.
Cécile McLorin Salvant, voice; Sullivan Fortner, piano/harpsichord/keyboards; Emi Ferguson, flute; Dušan Balarin, theorbo/lute; Yasushi Nakamura, bass/violone; Keita Ogawa, percussion
SYNERGY SERIES
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Interview hosted by Robert John Hughes
Cécile McLorin Salvant
Left to right: Sullivan Fortner, Dušan Balarin, Emi Ferguson, Yasushi Nakamura, Keita Ogawa
DANCE @ THE JAI Featuring Caleb Teicher & Nic Gareiss
SUNDAY AUGUST 17 | 3 PM & 6 PM
The JAI
This joy-filled collision of music and movement brings the multi-award-winning dancer Caleb Teicher back to The Conrad—this time with Nic Gareiss, one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” and festival favorite Tessa Lark on violin. Expect a lively combination of folk, jazz, and swing music alongside percussive dance that celebrates Appalachia and its traditional roots from Ireland and England.
Nic Gareiss, Caleb Teicher
TRANSCENDENCE
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20 | 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
One of the greatest pieces in all of chamber music, the sublime Schubert string quintet, is paired with a piece it inspired, one that was so well received at its premiere the audience demanded it be played twice.
PENDERECKI Clarinet Quartet
Anthony McGill, clarinet; Andrew Wan, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Zlatomir Fung, cello
SCHUBERT String Quintet in C Major, D. 956
Alexi Kenney, Benjamin Beilman, violins; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Kyril Zlotnikov, Zlatomir Fung, cellos
After the concert, join us in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd for a celebratory glass of sparkling wine!
PRELUDE 6 PM The JAI
Lecture by Ara Guzelimian
Anthony McGill
PROFOUND REFLECTIONS
FRIDAY AUGUST 22 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Journey into the depths of late works and visionary masterpieces in which Ravel, Shostakovich, and Beethoven each crystallize profound personal journeys.
RAVEL Introduction and Allegro
Julie Smith Phillips, harp; Rose Lombardo, flute;
Anthony McGill, clarinet; Owen Dalby, violin;
Misha Amory, viola; Zlatomir Fung, cello
SHOSTAKOVICH Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 147
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Inon Barnatan, piano
BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 12, Op. 127
Benjamin Beilman, Andrew Wan, violins;
Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; Kyril Zlotnikov, cello FREE OPEN REHEARSAL
2 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
MUSICAL PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Performance by Larinae Ensemble †
Zlatomir Fung
SUMMERFEST FINALE: Starburst
SATURDAY AUGUST 23 | 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant Starburst meets Mendelssohn and Brahms in a grand finale that celebrates the festival’s theme—illuminating past triumphs and future horizons.
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Starburst for String Orchestra SummerFest Chamber Orchestra
MENDELSSOHN Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra
Benjamin Beilman, solo violin, Inon Barnatan, solo piano; SummerFest Chamber Orchestra
BRAHMS
Serenade in D Major (Reconstructed for Nonet, 1858)
Andrew Wan, violin; Misha Amory, viola;
Zlatomir Fung, cello; Samuel Hager, bass;
Rose Lombardo, flute; Anthony McGill, Jay Shankar, clarinets;
Peter Kolkay, bassoon; Mark Almond, horn
MUSICAL PRELUDE
6:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall Performance by Hesper Quartet†
Benjamin Beilman
BEYOND THE STAGE
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
All activities free. Registration opens Friday, June 27.
OPEN REHEARSALS
Go behind the scenes to see the intricate rehearsal process that goes into every SummerFest performance, and stay afterward to speak with the artists during post-rehearsal Q&As.
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. No RSVP required.
COACHING WORKSHOPS
Observe our Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artists as they participate in a series of master classes conducted by world-class artists from the SummerFest roster. The JAI. No RSVP required.
ENCOUNTERS
These free afternoon events include fascinating lectures, discussions, and performances. Encounters share diverse perspectives and provide insights into how music is created, influenced, interpreted, and performed. Musical Encounters featuring performances by Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artists are held in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, other Encounters take place in The JAI. RSVP required.
ARTIST LOUNGES
Every artist’s journey of creativity is unique. Inspired by the theme “Milestones,” the Artist Lounge is an intimate, in-depth conversation with artists from the SummerFest roster, hosted by Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal.
The Atkinson Room. RSVP required.
PRELUDES
Gain historical and musical insights from esteemed scholars in fascinating lectures and discussions. Musical Preludes include performances by Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artists.
Musical Preludes are held in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. All other Preludes are held in The JAI. Open to ticket holders only.
See the SummerFest Calendar on pages 30−31 at the back of this brochure for Learning & Engagement event dates and times. Details on all events including participating artists, presenters, and reservations will be available at TheConrad.org Friday, June 27.
Pictured Above: Inon Barnatan, SummerFest Farfy Fellowship Artists, Alex Ross, Leah Rosenthal, Edward Dusinberre, Quartet Integra
SUMMERFEST 2025 FARFY FOUNDATION
FELLOWSHIP ARTISTS
For more than 35 years, students from the country’s leading music programs have participated in one of SummerFest’s longest traditions—the Fellowship Artist program. Thanks to generous support from the Farfy Foundation, this program continues to thrive. Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artists are selected by a panel of seasoned professional musicians, and represent some of the most exciting talent emerging in classical music. Many of the program’s alumni have gone on to major orchestras and prestigious international competitions and awards, and often return to the SummerFest roster in subsequent years, to the delight of audiences.
We are proud to welcome these eight talented musicians as our SummerFest 2025 Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artists.
Hesper Quartet
Valerie Kim and Yejin Yoon, violins; Sohui Yun, viola; Connor Kim, cello
Larinae Ensemble
Stephanie Tang, piano; Jake Dongyoung Shim, violin; Joseph Skerik, viola; Jakob Giovanni Taylor, cello
Rintaro Kikuno, Julia Lee, Sterling Elliott, Andrew Wan
ALL CONCERTS ON SALE NOW
For the best SummerFest experience, enjoy multiple concerts! Save 10% with our package options.
Premier
· See all 16 concerts in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
· Keep your same seats year after year.
· Save 10% on package tickets and save 10% on additional tickets for friends and family.
Added benefit! Premier subscribers will recieve an exclusive invitation to a private SummerFest rehearsal.
Flex
· Choose 6 or more concerts in either The Baker-Baum Concert Hall or The JAI.
· Save 10% on package tickets and save 10% on additional tickets for friends and family.
Added benefit! Flex subscribers will recieve an exclusive invitation to a private SummerFest rehearsal.
Compose-Your-Own
· Choose any 3 or more concerts in either The Baker-Baum Concert Hall or The JAI.
· Save 10% on package tickets.
Blake Pouliot, Simone Porter, Paul Wiancko, Masumi Per Rostad
· Online: Order a Premier, Flex, or Compose-Your-Own package online at TheConrad.org.
· Phone: Call 858.459.3728 for assistance from our friendly Box Office staff.
· Window: Visit our Box Office at 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037 Mon-Fri from 10 AM-6 PM.
Concert Hall
Festival Foundation Sponsors
Brenda Baker and Steve Baum
Synergy Initiative Producers
Inon Barnatan
Clara Wu Tsai
SummerFest Music Director Sponsor
Raffaella Belanich
SummerFest Gala Chairs
Stacy and Don Rosenberg
Festival Sponsors
Judith Bachner and Eric Lasley
Brenda Baker and Steve Baum*
Jeff Barnouw
Raffaella Belanich*
Mary Ann Beyster
Abdul Bitar
Robert Black
Karen and Jim Brailean
Eleanor and Ric Charlton*
Raymond Chinn
Mary Ellen Clark*
Julie and Bert Cornelison*
Martha and Ed Dennis
Jendy Dennis
Brian Devine
Barbara Enberg
Pam and Hal Fuson
Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon*
Buzz and Peg Gitelson
Lisa Braun-Glazer and Jeff Glazer
Brenda and Michael Goldbaum
Margaret Stevens Grossman and Michael Grossman
Pati Heestand
John Hesselink
Irwin Jacobs*
Theresa Jarvis
Helen and Keith Kim*
Angelina and Fred Kleinbub*
Dorothea Laub*
Vivian Lim and Joseph Wong*
Christine and Charles Lo
Diana and Eli Lombrozo
Barbara Loonin
Kathleen and Ken Lundgren
Elaine and Doug Muchmore
Arlene and Louis Navias
Peggy and Peter Preuss
Jaqueline and Jean-Luc Robert*
Don and Stacy Rosenberg
Cynthia Rosenthal
Leigh P. Ryan
Sheryl and Bob Scarano
Neal and Marge Schmale
Maureen and Tom Shiftan
Karen and Kit Sickels*
Susan and Gerald Slavet
Diane and DJ Smith
Jeanette Stevens
Gloria and Rodney Stone
Elizabeth Taft
Haeyoung Kong Tang*
Debra Turner*
Susan and Richard Ulevitch
Sue and Peter Wagener*
Liqun Wang and Marco Londei*
Abby and Ray Weiss
Shara Williams and Benjamin Brand
Lise Wilson and Steve Strauss
Dolly and Victor Woo
Clara Wu Tsai
Anna and Edward Yeung
Bebe and Marvin Zigman
Anonymous
*Pillars member
Listing as of April 2025
SEASON SPONSORS
JOE LACAVA City of San Diego Councilmember, District 1
TERRA LAWSON-REMER San Diego County Supervisor, District 3
SUMMERFEST 2025 Calendar of Events
27 SUNDAY
PRELUDE | 2 PM
Lecture by Patrick Castillo
EMERGENCE | 3 PM
NEW YORK TAKEOVER @ THE JAI | 7 PM
The JAI
3 SUNDAY
28 MONDAY
ARTIST LOUNGE hosted by Leah Rosenthal
1 PM · The Atkinson Room
4 MONDAY
ARTIST LOUNGE hosted by Leah Rosenthal
1 PM · The Atkinson Room
10 SUNDAY
PRELUDE | 2 PM · The JAI Lecture
HOMAGE | 3 PM
11 MONDAY
ARTIST LOUNGE hosted by Leah Rosenthal
1 PM · The Atkinson Room
17 SUNDAY
DANCE @ THE JAI | 3 PM & 6 PM
The JAI
18 MONDAY
ARTIST LOUNGE hosted by Leah Rosenthal
1 PM · The Atkinson Room
29 TUESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
OPEN REHEARSAL | 1 PM Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
5 TUESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS|10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE | 6 PM · The JAI Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano
FOR THE END OF TIME | 7 PM
12 TUESDAY
ENCOUNTER | 2 PM
Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artist Spotlight I
30 WEDNESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE | 6 PM · The JAI
Lecture by Patrick Castillo
YOUTHFUL PASSIONS | 7 PM
Midweek Masterworks
6 WEDNESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
13 WEDNESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE | 6 PM · The JAI Lecture
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD | 7 PM
Midweek Masterworks
19 TUESDAY
ENCOUNTER | 2 PM
Farfy Foundation Fellowship Artist Spotlight II
20 WEDNESDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE | 6 PM · The JAI | Lecture by Ara Guzelimian
TRANSCENDENCE | 7 PM
Midweek Masterworks
JULY 24 THURSDAY
ENCOUNTER | 2 PM · The JAI
Exploring Philip Glass’ Piano Etudes
31 THURSDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
25 FRIDAY
PRELUDE | 6:30 PM · The JAI
Interview with Inon Barnatan hosted by Leah Rosenthal
OPENING NIGHT: GREAT EXPECTATIONS | 7:30 PM
AUGUST 1 FRIDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Performance by Hesper Quartet†
NORTHERN LIGHTS | 7:30 PM
7 THURSDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
OPEN REHEARSAL | 1 PM
Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81
TAKEOVER @ THE JAI
CURATED BY JESSIE MONTGOMERY | 7 PM The JAI
14 THURSDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
TASTING NOTES | 7 PM
21 THURSDAY
COACHING WORKSHOPS | 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
ENCOUNTER | 2 PM · The JAI
The String Quartet: Music’s Inner World with Ara Guzelimian
OPEN REHEARSAL | 5 PM
Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 12, Op. 127
8 FRIDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Performance by Hesper Quartet†
STRUNG TOGETHER | 7:30 PM
15 FRIDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6 PM
Performance by Larinae Ensemble†
LOVE SONGS | 7:30 PM
22 FRIDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Performance by Hesper Quartet†
PROFOUND REFLECTIONS | 7:30 PM
26 SATURDAY
OPEN REHEARSAL | 11 AM
Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G Minor, Op. 57
PRELUDE | 6:30 PM · The JAI
Interview with Timo Andres hosted by Allison Boles
THE GLASS MENAGERIE | 7:30 PM
2 SATURDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Performance by Larinae Ensemble†
PRODIGIES | 7:30 PM
9 SATURDAY
SUMMERFEST GALA
5 PM · The Jacobs Residence
16 SATURDAY
PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Interview hosted by Robert John Hughes
CÉCILE McLORIN SALVANT
BOOK OF AYRES | 7:30 PM
23 SATURDAY
MUSICAL PRELUDE | 6:30 PM
Performance by Larinae Ensemble†
FINALE: STARBUST | 7:30 PM
Keep an eye out for the SummerFest Learning & Engagement Activities Guide, which will include detailed descriptions and a full schedule for all events. Registration opens for these free events on Friday, June 27 at TheConrad.org.
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18 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (47 × 47 cm) Collection
San
Gift of
and
L.
of
© 2025 Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc., Courtesy David Zwirner; Pg.2: T. Lark © Richard Bowditch; Pg.3: I. Barnatan © Marco Borggreve; Pg. 4−5: The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd © Sam Zausch, C. Tao, C. Teicher © Ken Jacques, Champagne Pour © J. Dixx Photography; Pg.6: Y. Avdeeva © Maxim Abrossimow; Pg.7: P. Glass courtesy of artist, T. Andres © Jason Marck, M. Aucoin © Steven Laxton, Y. Avdeeva © Sammy Hart, I. Barnatan © Marco Borggreve, M. Grinnell courtesy of artist, C. Hanick © Laura Desberg, Y. Li © Shervin Lainez, S. Osborne © Benjamin Ealovega, J. Pohjonen © Marco Borggreve, A. Diehl © Maria Jarzyna ; Pg.8: Y. Lee courtesy of artist, T. Andres © Jason Marck, N.C. Grevious © Jiyang Chen; Pg.10: L. Ferschtman © Marco Borggreve; Pg.11: C. Greensmith © Shayne Gray; Pg.12: R. Fleming © Andrew Eccles, A. Gilbert © Marco Borggreve, I. Barnatan © Marco Borggreve; Pg.13: J. Montgomery © Jiyang Chen; Pg.14: N. BendixBalgley © Nikolaj Lund; Pg.15: S. Elliott © Titilayo Ayangade; Pg.16: A. Weilerstein © Evelyn Freja; Pg.17: K. López-Alt courtesy of artist; Pg.18: S. Dohr © Simon Pauly; Pg.19: C. McLorin Salvant © Karolis Kaminskas, S. Fortner © Antoine Jaussaud, D. Balarin © Marek Biela, E. Ferguson © Fay Fox, Y. Nakamura © Hisa Ayano, K. Ogawa courtesy of artist; Pg.20: N. Gareiss courtesy of artist, C. Teicher © Ken Jacques; Pg. 21: A. McGill © Martin Romero; Pg.22: Z. Fung © Marco Borggreve; Pg.23: B. Beilman © Sophie Zhai; Pg.24−25: I. Barnatan © Ken Jacques, SummerFest Coaching Workshop courtesy of The Conrad, Alex Ross SummerFest Encounter © Ken Jacques, L. Rosenthal, E. Dusinberre © Ken Jacques, Quartet Integra © Ken Jacques; R. Kikuno, J. Lee, S. Elliott, A. Wan © Ken Jacques, Hesper Quartet courtesy of artists, Larinae Ensemble courtesy of artists; Pg.26−27: B. Pouliot, S. Porter, P. Wiancko, M. Per Rostad © Madi Ngyuen, Standing Ovation © Ken Jacques; BACK COVER: B. Pouliot, S. Porter © Ken Jacques, D. Trifonov © Dario Acosta
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
COVER: Ruth Asawa, Desert Plant (TAM.1460), 1965. Color lithograph
Museum
Contemporary Art
Diego.
Mr.
Mrs. Martin
Gleich, San Diego, 1970.111
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Blake Pouliot, Simone Porter