Home of 26–27 INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW! THE BIGGEST SEASON YET!
AUDRA McDONALD
2026−27 SEASON
SEPTEMBER 2026
OPENING NIGHT @ THE JAI
FRED HERSCH TRIO*
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 · 5 PM & 7:30 PM Concerts @ The JAI
LINDA MAY HAN OH TRIO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM Concerts @ The JAI
OCTOBER 2026
OPENING NIGHT AT THE BAKER-BAUM
JOYCE DiDONATO & TIME FOR THREE
EMILY — NO PRISONER BE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 · 7:30 PM ProtoStar Innovative Series
POIESIS QUARTET*
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026 · 3 PM Discovery Series
GABRIELA MONTERO*, piano
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026 · 7:30 PM Piano Series
4 PERFORMANCES
JOHN PIZZARELLI PRESENTS
“DEAR MR. BENNETT”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026 · 5 PM & 7:30 PM Concerts @ The JAI
LILA DOWNS
DÍA DE MUERTOS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Global Roots Series • Balboa Theatre
JEAN-GUIHEN QUEYRAS*, cello & ALEXANDRE THARAUD*, piano
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 · 7:30 PM Recital Series
Todd R. Schultz, President & CEO | Leah Rosenthal, Artistic Director
NOVEMBER 2026
NEMANJA RADULOVIĆ*& DOUBLE SENS*
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Revelle Chamber Music Series
LES ARTS FLORISSANTS
WILLIAM CHRISTIE, PAUL AGNEW, co-directors
THE MAGIC OF MONTEVERDI
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Revelle Chamber Music Series
MANUAL CINEMA*
LEONARDO!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2026 · 3 PM
The ConRAD Kids Series
THE NAGHASH ENSEMBLE*
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 · 3 PM
Global Roots Series
DECEMBER
2026
MEOW MEOW
FELINE FESTIVE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Special Event
CONNECT TO THE CONRAD
HILARY HAHN, violin;
MATTHIAS GOERNE, baritone;
YEKWON SUNWOO, piano
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Recital Series
EDMAR CASTAÑEDA QUARTET*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026
5:30 PM & 8 PM
Concerts @ The JAI
LUKAS STERNATH*, piano
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2026 · 3 PM
Discovery Series
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2026 · 4–7:30 PM
THE HOT SARDINES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Jazz Series
JANUARY 2027
EMANUEL AX, piano
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Piano Series
MAGIC PIANO & THE CHOPIN SHORTS*
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2027
10 AM & 11:30 AM
The ConRAD Kids Series • The JAI
CAMILLE THURMAN* WITH THE DARRELL GREEN QUARTET*
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2027
5 PM & 7:30 PM
Concerts @ The JAI
ERIKA WOOLSEY*
DIVING IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Speaker Series
KRONOS QUARTET
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027 · 7:30 PM
ProtoStar Innovative Series
ITZHAK PERLMAN
IN THE FIDDLER’S HOUSE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2027 · 7 PM
Global Roots Series • Jacobs Music Center
FEBRUARY 2027
JULIUS RODRIGUEZ*
FROM THE BENCH TO THE THRONE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2027
5:30 PM & 8 PM
Concerts @ The JAI
KODO ONE EARTH TOUR 2027 LUMINANCE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Special Event • Balboa Theatre
ANGEL STANISLAV WANG*, piano
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2027 · 3 PM
Discovery Series
BLACK GRACE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Dance Series • Balboa Theatre
ANAND VARMA*
EXPLORING NATURE’S HIDDEN WORLDS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Speaker Series
CIRCA*
THE ART OF FUGUE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2027 · 7:30 PM
ProtoStar Innovative Series
TYSHAWN SOREY TRIO
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2027
5 PM & 7:30 PM
Concerts @ The JAI
VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON*, piano
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Piano Series
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Jazz Series • Jacobs Music Center
MARCH 2027
SEONG-JIN CHO, piano
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2027 · 7:30 PM Piano Series
STANLEY CLARKE* AND HIROMI
ALONG WITH THE PUBLIQuartet
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2027 · 7:30 PM Jazz Series • Balboa Theatre
JAEMIN HAN, cello & DAVID FUNG*, piano
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2027 · 7:30 PM Recital Series
2 PERFORMANCES
CONNECT TO THE CONRAD ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2027 · 3 PM & 7:30 PM Revelle Chamber Music Series
GOITSE
SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2027 · 5 PM & 7:30 PM Concerts @ The JAI
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2027 · 7:30 PM Dance Series • Civic Theatre
INMO YANG*, violin
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2027 · 3 PM Discovery Series
JODI ROWLEY*
WEIRD WORLD OF FROGS
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2027 · 7:30 PM Speaker Series
APRIL 2027
WILDFLOWERS: KURT ELLING WITH CHRISTIAN SANDS
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2027 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM Concerts @ The JAI
AN EVENING WITH AUDRA McDONALD
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2027 · 8 PM
Special Event
WINTERFEST GALA
IL POMO D’ORO WITH MICHAEL SPYRES*, baritenor
SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Revelle Chamber Music Series
SONA JOBARTEH
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM Global Roots Series
4 PERFORMANCES
DREAMERS’ CIRCUS
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2027 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2027 · 5 PM & 7:30 PM Concerts @ The JAI
2 PERFORMANCES
NOGRAVITY THEATRE*
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027 · 3 PM & 7:30 PM Dance Series
STEVE WINTER*
THE RACE TO SAVE BIG CATS
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Speaker Series
YUJA WANG, piano
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Piano Series • Jacobs Music Center
MAY 2027
HIMARI*, violin & CHELSEA WANG*, piano
SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2027 · 3 PM
Discovery Series
JASON MORAN* PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON: MY HEART SINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Jazz Series / JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
ARTEMIS*
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Jazz Series / JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
JASON MORAN & THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS*
JAMES REESE EUROPE AND THE ABSENCE OF RUIN
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM
ProtoStar Innovative Series / JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
LAKECIA BENJAMIN
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2027 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
Concerts @ The JAI / JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
ALONZO KING LINES BALLET
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2027 · 7:30 PM
Dance Series / JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL Civic Theatre
NADINE SIERRA*, soprano
BRYAN WAGORN*, piano
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2027 · 7 PM
Recital Series
ELENA MOON PARK AND FRIENDS*
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2027
10 AM & 11:30 AM
The ConRAD Kids Series • The JAI
ENDEA OWENS & THE COOKOUT
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2027 · 5:30 PM & 8 PM
Concerts @ The JAI
Seong-Jin Cho
Sona Jobarteh
Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Where Concerts Meet Community
We are delighted to invite you to a full lineup of events all season long, including a variety of complimentary activities to add to your calendar. Explore what’s ahead on this page—from family-friendly fun to additional performance experiences designed to elevate your time with us throughout the season.
We hope to see you soon at The Conrad!
Todd R. Schultz
President and CEO Leah Rosenthal Artistic Director
State of The Conrad
September 28, 2026 · 7 PM
Free and open to the public, this event welcomes the community to learn more about the impact of the artistic and learning and engagement programs and offers a sneak peek at the exciting year ahead. All attendees enjoy a free performance, dessert, and sparkling wine.
Prelude Events
Held one hour before curtain at select concerts
Ticket holders are invited to hear musical and historical insights through engaging interviews and fascinating lectures before most performances. Musical Preludes feature a 30-minute concert from students at the prestigious Colburn School. Check TheConrad. org for Prelude dates.
Holiday Open House
December 18, 2027 from 4—7 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at The Conrad! This free family-friendly event invites guests to shop treasures from local artisans, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd as it is transformed into a snowy winter wonderland.
Cap the evening by stepping into the golden age of jazz with tickets to The Hot Sardines’ 7:30 PM concert.
Music 101
Third Tuesday of each month from January—May 2027
Take a closer look at classical music! This fivepart free lecture series, led by Michael Gerdes— Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestras at San Diego State University—offers fresh insights, lively discussion, and a deeper appreciation of the music you love.
Jazz Mini-Festival
May 6 - 15, 2027
Now in its third year, the Jazz Mini-Festival invites top jazz musicians to a weeklong celebration of concerts, lectures, and engagement events. This year the festival honors foundational jazz legends Duke Ellington and James Reese Europe as well as contemporary trailblazers such as the all-female ensemble ARTEMIS and Lakecia Benjamin. Dance joins the party with Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s tribute in movement to Alice Coltrane.
Wu Tsai QRT.yrd
Concert Series
Fall and Spring Concert Series dates to be announced
This free outdoor concert series features some of San Diego’s best musicians in jazz, global music, and more. Nine exciting concerts await this season—three in fall, six in spring—and are sure to fill your year with unforgettable memories.
La
Every
58
REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
A
12
GLOBAL ROOTS SERIES
Each
We
THE C on RAD KIDS SERIES
Music
PIANO SERIES
GABRIELA MONTERO
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2026 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano 6:30 PM
The internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Montero returns to La Jolla Music Society with a richly expressive recital of Spanish and Spanish-inspired music. Her evocative program brings together beloved works by Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados, Liszt, and others, alongside rarely heard miniatures by the legendary Alicia de Larrocha, one of the defining pianists of the 20th century.
Program highlights include:
CHOPIN Boléro, Op. 19
GRANADOS 8 Valses Poéticos and Andaluza from 12 Danzas españolas
LISZT Rhapsodie Espagnole, S. 254
Full repertoire available at TheConrad.org.
“ A pianist of exceptional sensitivity, Ax balances power with poetic restraint.”
— The Guardian
EMANUEL AX
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano • 6:30 PM
Globally esteemed GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax returns for an evening of romantic expression in a program that moves from Schumann’s whimsical fantasy to Schubert’s expansive lyricism, culminating with Chopin’s lyrical nocturnes.
HAYDN Keyboard Sonata in C Major, HOB.XVI/50
SCHUBERT Four Impromptus, D.935
CHOPIN Barcarolle, Op. 60
Nocturnes, Op. 27, No. 1
Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
PIANO SERIES
“ Breathtakingly brilliant pianist” — Gramophone
V Í KINGUR ÓLAFSSON
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2027 • 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Tiffany Kuo 6:30 PM
Víkingur Ólafsson, one of today’s most acclaimed classical artists, is a visionary pianist whose award-winning recordings have reached over a billion streams. He is a GRAMMY® Award winner and a Gramophone Artist of the Year. This captivating recital will lead audiences on a reflective journey through the music of Philip Glass, Debussy, Rameau, and others.
Program highlights include:
PHILIP GLASS Opening from Glassworks
DEBUSSY Jardins Sous la Pluie from Estampes
RAMEAU Selections from Suites Nos. 2, 3, and 5
Full repertoire available at TheConrad.org.
“ Cho produces a preternaturally beautiful sound.”
— The New Yorker
SEONG-JIN CHO
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano 6:30 PM
Since Seong-Jin Cho first caught the world’s attention in 2015 as the First Prize winner at the Chopin International Competition, he has established himself worldwide as one of the leading pianists of his generation. He brings a dramatic and epic program in his highly-anticipated return to The Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
JÖRG WIDMANN Sonatina facile
PROKOFIEV Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75
MOZART Fantasia in C Minor, K. 396
PROKOFIEV Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84
Wang’s skilled use of a modern piano’s range, from exquisite delicacy to considerable power.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune
YUJA WANG
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2027 · 7:30 PM
JACOBS MUSIC CENTER
Prelude Lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano 6:30 PM
SPECIAL EVENT: WINTERFEST GAL A AN
EVENING WITH AUDRA McDONALD
— Stage and Cinema “
GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist and global icon Yuja Wang is one of today’s most in-demand artists. She has performed with the world’s most venerated conductors, musicians and ensembles, and is renowned not only for her virtuosity, but her spontaneous and lively performances, famously telling the New York Times, “I firmly believe every program should have its own life, and be a representation of how I feel at the moment.” Called a “complete virtuoso” (Daily Mail) with “faultless fingers” (The Guardian), she is sure to deliver a transcendent evening.
Repertoire to be announced.
SPECIAL EVENT
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2027 • 8 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Soprano Audra McDonald is the winner of a recordbreaking six Tony Awards, two GRAMMY® Awards, an Emmy Award, and the National Medal of Arts.
She regularly appears in the world’s foremost venues, but in this singular evening, enjoy Audra’s resplendent talent in the intimate Baker-Baum Concert Hall as she shares songs from Broadway, the Great American Songbook, and beyond.
“
Audra McDonald stands as an unparalleled luminary”
All tickets include an invitation to the WinterFest Gala afterparty!
For the ultimate concert experience, reserve seats as part of the WinterFest Gala which raises vital funds to support Learning & Engagement programs that bring the joy of music to communities throughout San Diego.
Email Gala@TheConrad.org to learn more.
REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
NEMANJA RADULOVIĆ, violin & DOUBLE SENS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes • 6:30 PM
Rising star Nemanja Radulović won the prestigious 2024 Opus Klassik Award for Concerto Recording of the Year for his acclaimed Beethoven Violin Concerto & Kreutzer Sonata recording. Expect an evening of emotional intensity and rhythmic vitality as he performs with his boundary-breaking ensemble Double Sens.
VIVALDI The Four Seasons , Op.8
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade
“
There’s
a daredevil freshness about Nemanja Radulović’s playing”
—
The Guardian
REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
“
Astonishingly beautiful...wonderful sensuousness of tone and rhythmic precision.”
— The Guardian
LES
ARTS FLORISSANTS
WILLIAM CHRISTIE AND PAUL AGNEW, co-directors
THE MAGIC OF MONTEVERDI
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes 6:30 PM
Join Baroque masters William Christie and Paul Agnew for a vivid program of Monteverdi’s finest madrigals for mixed voices, including a performance of the iconic Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda. Christie will lead the continuo from the harpsichord, while Agnew will direct and sing with a vocal ensemble to reveal Monteverdi’s transformative power and enduring musical innovation.
The program features selections from Madrigals Books 1-4, and 6-8 including:
MONTEVERDI Baci soavi e cari from Madrigals, Book 1
Ecco mormorar l’onde from Madrigals, Book 2
Si ch’io vorrei morire from Madrigals, Book 4
Zefiro Torno from Madrigals, Book 6
Ballo ‘Tirsi e Clori’ from Madrigals, Book 7
Lamento della Ninfa from Madrigals, Book 8
Full repertoire available at TheConrad.org.
REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS
CONRAD TAO, piano
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2027 · 3 PM AND 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes 6:30 PM
TWO UNIQUE PERFORMANCES!
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. They will be joined by pianist Conrad Tao, a “musician who is shaping the future of classical music” (New York Magazine), in two vibrant programs that blend tradition and innovation.
3 PM PROGRAM
MOZART Piano Concerto No.23 in A Major, K. 488
COPLAND Appalachian Spring
7:30 PM PROGRAM
STRAVINSKY Concerto in E-flat Major “Dumbarton Oaks”
J.S. BACH/STRAVINSKY Four Preludes and Fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier
J.S. BACH Piano Concerto No.4 in A Major, BWV 1055
CONRAD TAO New Work for Strings
COPLAND Appalachian Spring
IL POMO D’ORO WITH MICHAEL SPYRES, baritenor
TENORE ASSOLUTO
SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture • 6:30 PM
“
Internationally acclaimed baritenor Michael Spyres partners with the celebrated period ensemble il Pomo d’Oro for an evening of Baroque treasures from Handel, Vivaldi, and Rameau—and overlooked works by Galuppi, Sarri, and A. Mazzoni.
Together they illuminate rare arias and beloved masterpieces with breathtaking agility and expressive depth in a journey through the golden age of opera. Full repertoire available at TheConrad.org.
REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
Spyres’ astounding multi-octave vocalism—an artistry that bridges centuries with its Renaissance-age mastery of multiple ranges, from baritone to high tenor.”
— San Francisco Classical Voice
RECITAL SERIES
“
Queyras performs as he breathes … he brings the universe to the end of his bow.”
— Le Devoir
“
For many, he (Tharaud) is among the greatest pianists of his generation.”
— Vancouver Classical
JEAN-GUIHEN QUEYRAS, cello & ALEXANDRE THARAUD, piano
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes 6:30 PM
Two of Frances’s most beloved musicians celebrate three decades with a program that spans from Renaissance inspirations to modernism.
POULENC Suite française
BRAHMS Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38
BERG Vier Stücke, Op. 5
SCHUBERT Adagio from Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano in A Minor, D. 821
BRITTEN Dialogo and Presto from Sonata in C Major, Op. 65
MARAIS Prélude and Sarabande from Suite No. 1 in D Minor (Pièces de viole, Livre II)
DEBUSSY Lent from Sonate, L. 135
FAURÉ Sicilienne, Op. 78
FAURÉ Papillon, Op. 77
BRAHMS Nos. 1, 7 and 5 from Hungarian Dances (arr. Queyras/Tharaud)
“ One of the greatest violinists in the world today.”
— The Washington Post
HILARY HAHN, violin
MATTHIAS GOERNE, baritone
YEKWON SUNWOO , piano
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes • 6:30 PM
“ One of the greatest singers performing today”
— Boston Globe
THREE POWERHOUSE ARTISTS ON THE BAKER-BAUM STAGE!
A Met Opera superstar joins, a three-time GRAMMY®-winning violinist, and a Van Cliburn Gold medal winner on one stage. Baritone Matthias Goerne brings his profound expressive power and operatic mastery, while violinist Hilary Hahn offers her trailblazing virtuosity and fearless musical curiosity. They are joined by Yekwon Sunwoo, first Korean gold medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Together, they illuminate the classical repertoire and a new Reena Esmail work co-commissioned by La Jolla Music Society with emotional depth, technical brilliance, and electrifying artistic presence.
Program highlights include:
BEETHOVEN Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 “Spring”
REENA ESMAIL New Work (2026)
BEETHOVEN Selection of Songs
RECITAL SERIES
JAEMIN HAN, cello & DAVID FUNG, piano
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes • 6:30 PM
After a stellar debut on the Discovery Series in 2025, cellist Jaemin Han returns to The Conrad. Han gained international recognition in 2021 as the youngest-ever winner of the Grand Prix at the prestigious George Enescu International Competition. In this moving program, he will be joined by pianist David Fung, praised for his “ravishing and simply gorgeous” performances in The Washington Post.
RACHMANINOFF Vocalise
SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40
MILHAUD Élégie
CHOPIN Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65
NADINE SIERRA, soprano & BRYAN WAGORN, piano
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2027 · 7 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Lecture by Michael Gerdes • 6:00 PM
“
A dazzling evening with opera superstar soprano Nadine Sierra, leading voice of the Met, La Scala, and Paris Opera!
GERSHWIN Summertime
BERNSTEIN Maria from West Side Story
FOSTER Beautiful Dreamer
LOEWE/LERNER I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady
PONCE Estrellita
GIMENEZ Me llaman la primorosa from El barbero de Sevilla
TURINA Romance
El Pescador
Rima
DI CAPUA/ O sole mio
MAZZUCCHI
VILLA-LOBOS Melodia Sentimental
BRAGA Engenho novo
PUCCINI Vissi d’arte from Tosca
BELLINI Casta diva from Norma
Care compagne…sovra il sen from La sonnambula
Nadine Sierra is a force of nature.” — Observer
“ Diamond-bright and pitch perfect”
— Opera Today
SPECIAL EVENT
SPECIAL EVENT
KODO ONE EARTH TOUR 2027: LUMINANCE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2027
7:30 PM
BALBOA THEATRE
KODO’s “One Earth” journey has reached millions worldwide, sharing the unifying force of taiko. Luminance brings together the ensemble’s most celebrated works—the O-daiko drum solo, the climatic Yatai-bayashi finale, and a tribute to Ishii’s masterpiece Monochrome—with fresh creations in an unforgettable, high-energy experience.
“
Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, KODO comes as near to it as any group in the world.”
— Boston Globe
POIESIS QUARTET
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Musical Prelude by Students from the Colburn School 2 PM
First Prize of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition
PROKOFIEV String Quartet No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 50
JEFF SCOTT Tapestry of the Beloved Beatified (2026)
SKY MACKLAY Many Many Cadences
BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135
LUKAS STERNATH, piano
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2026 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Musical Prelude by Students from the Colburn School 2 PM
First Prize of the 2022 International ARD Music Competition
SCHUBERT Piano Sonata No. 18 in G Major, D 894
BEETHOVEN Diabelli Variations, Op. 120
ANGEL STANISLAV
WANG, piano
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2027 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Musical Prelude by Students from the Colburn School 2 PM
First Prize at the 2020 International Rachmaninoff Piano Competition
A Sunday afternoon of Liszt and Rachmaninoff!
Featuring some of the composers’ most beloved pieces like Selections from Liszt’s Années de pèlerinage and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No.2, Op.36.
INMO YANG, violin
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2027 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Musical Prelude by Students from the Colburn School 2 PM
First Prize Winner of the Sibelius Competition
RAVEL Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, M.12
MESSIAEN Theme and Variations
STRAUSS Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 18
HIMARI, violin & CHELSEA WANG, piano
SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2027 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Musical Prelude by Students from the Colburn School • 2 PM
First prize at the 12th Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition in Belgium
SCHUBERT Violin Sonata in A Major, D.574
GRIEG Sonata for Violin and Piano
No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 45
MESSIAEN Fantaisie for Violin and Piano
KREISLER Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta
RAVEL Tzigane, M.76
PROTOSTAR INNOVAT IVE SERIES
OPENING NIGHT AT THE BAKER-BAUM
EDUCATION AMBASSADOR-IN-RESIDENCE
JOYCE D i DONATO AND TIME FOR THREE
EMILY—NO PRISONER BE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Emily – No Prisoner Be unites Emily Dickinson’s poetry with Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts’ luminous 24-part song cycle, created for GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Joyce DiDonato and genre-defying ensemble Time For Three. With music which feels at once familiar and new, brimming with energy and passion, Emily Dickinson’s poetry and Puts’ music feel as if they have always belonged together. Don’t miss this thrilling semi-staged concert!
“The Kronos Quartet has broken the boundaries of what string quartets do.” — The New York Times
KRONOS QUARTET
PHILIP GLASS AT 90: A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027 • 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
To celebrate the 90th birthday of the legendary composer Philip Glass, Kronos Quartet presents a vibrant program dedicated to one of the most influential voices of our time. This all-Glass evening journeys through the composer’s iconic string quartets, evocative film scores for Mishima and Dracula, and the powerful Quartet Satz from 50 for the Future.
CIRCA: THE ART OF FUGUE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Dive into Circa where the meticulous intellect of Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Art of Fugue meets the breath-taking physicality of contemporary acrobatics.
Eight acrobats will be joined by 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist Vitaly Starikov in a celebration of human potential, pushing the limits of both mind and body.
“ …seamless marriage of music, balletic tumbling and mindblowing balancing acts”
PROTOSTAR INNOVATIVE SERIES
“ Jason Moran [is] shaping up to be the most provocative thinker in current jazz.”
— Rolling Stone
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
JASON MORAN AND THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS
— The Daily Telegraph
JAMES REESE EUROPE AND THE ABSENCE OF RUIN
JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Jazz pianist Jason Moran will be joined by a 10-piece ensemble including a rhythm and horn section in a moving tribute to ragtime and jazz pioneer James Reese Europe. Europe commanded the African American WWI Harlem Hellfighters regiment who brought the vibrant new sound of jazz to a war-torn France. Europe’s distinctly American story unfolds through his music, paired with visuals by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young, creating a poetic meditation on a remarkable hero.
JAZZ SERIES: IN TRIBUTE
“ One of the most delightfully energetic bands on New York’s ‘hot’ music scene” — DownBeat
THE HOT SARDINES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2026
7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Step into the golden age of jazz with The Hot Sardines, the genre-defying ensemble that brings the spirit of New York speakeasies roaring back to life.
Launched by cofounders Elizabeth Bougerol (vocals) and Evan Palazzo (piano), the ensemble grew from underground parties in Brooklyn to touring worldwide, selling out Carnegie Hall and recording a string of albums with more than 60 million streams. With brassy horns, rollicking piano, and irresistible vocals by Bougerol, this evening of vintage jazz--with a few holiday numbers sprinkled throughout—is sure to be an electrifying live-music experience.
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2027 • 7:30 PM
JACOBS MUSIC CENTER
Prelude Interview by Robert John Hughes • 6:30 PM
Wynton Marsalis returns to San Diego in a landmark moment: his final season as Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and Music Director of its legendary orchestra. This is a rare chance to experience Marsalis and the JLCO together— an electrifying, history-making concert from America’s most celebrated jazz institution.
“
The JLCO under Marsalis is a cultural treasure—an ensemble of astonishing cohesion and expressive range.”
— The Washington Post
STANLEY CLARKE AND HIROMI
ALONG WITH THE PUBLIQuartet
A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF CHICK COREA AND BEYOND SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2027 · 7:30 PM BALBOA THEATRE
Prelude Interview by Robert John Hughes 6:30 PM
NEA Jazz Master and four-time GRAMMY™ winning bassist Stanley Clarke joins forces with piano innovator Hiromi for a high-voltage tribute to Chick Corea. Their explosive chemistry fuels a night of dazzling virtuosity, new works inspired by Corea’s genius, and the fearless improvisation that defined one of jazz’s most visionary voices.
“ Clarke and Hiromi play with a thrilling, almost telepathic rapport… a duo of explosive imagination and breathtaking virtuosity.”
— The Washington Post
JAZZ SERIES: IN TRIBUTE
MAY 6–15,
Now in its third year, the Jazz Mini-Festival is a two-weeklong celebration that brings the best jazz musicians in the country to San Diego. This year’s festival honors foundational jazz legends Duke Ellington and James Reese Europe, along with trailblazing women such as the all-female ensemble ARTEMIS and Lakecia Benjamin. Dance explodes on to the festival, with Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s tribute in movement to Alice Coltrane. The week rounds out with a free outdoor concert and community events to be announced!
OTHER JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL EVENTS INCLUDE
JASON MORAN AND THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS (page 23)
ALONZO KING LINES BALLET (page 31)
LAKECIA BENJAMIN (page 36)
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
JASON MORAN PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON: MY HEART SINGS
JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2027 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Interview by Robert John Hughes 6:30 PM
MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner Jason Moran is a visionary pianist and one of jazz’s most daring storytellers. He pays tribute to the timeless genius of Duke Ellington by brilliantly reimaging Ellington’s great canon, bringing his own deep artistry and historical insight to illuminate the composer’s elegance, swing, and emotional resonance.
“
Jason Moran [is] shaping up to be the most provocative thinker in current jazz.”
— Rolling Stone
ARTEMIS JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2027· 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Interview by Robert John Hughes 6:30 PM
ARTEMIS—founded by pianist-composer Renee Rosnes and honored as DownBeat’s Jazz Group of the Year for three consecutive years—unites five powerhouse bandleaders in one electrifying ensemble. This multinational collective of virtuosos brings bold originals, inspired arrangements, and a radiant, cliche-free spirit to a performance that celebrates the full brilliance of modern jazz.
SPECIAL EVENT
SPECIAL EVENT
MEOW MEOW FELINE FESTIVE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026 • 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Joy. Mayhem. A live band. And absolutely no silent nights. Enter the gloriously off-kilter world of international chanteuse and comedic force of nature Meow Meow.
Part cabaret, part concert, this festive evening travels from jazzy showbiz and witty Weimar-era tunes to French chanson, contemporary classics, and original surprises.
“ A singer who hits every vocal nuance”
—
Huffington Post
SERIES
LILA DOWNS DÍA DE MUERTOS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 · 7:30 PM
BALBOA THEATRE
Prelude Lecture 6:30 PM
Come dressed in imaginative Día de Muertos attire to share in the celebration!
Celebrate Día de Muertos with GRAMMY®- and Latin GRAMMY®–winning Mexican American artist Lila Downs’ unique interpretation of traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music. Her magnetic presence anchors a program of deeply personal renditions of classic rancheras and original songs, sharing the emotions of love, loss, reconnection, and joy that define Day of the Dead traditions on both sides of the border.
“
East meets West and antiquity meets modernity” — NPR
THE NAGHASH ENSEMBLE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude by Meghan Hynson • 2 PM
The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism, and the energy of jazz and rock. Three brilliant vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash.
ITZHAK PERLMAN
IN THE FIDDLER’S HOUSE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2027 · 7 PM
JACOBS MUSIC CENTER
Prelude by Meghan Hynson 6 PM
Celebrate In the Fiddler’s House with the incomparable Itzhak Perlman, leading an all-star klezmer ensemble in a joyous evening of music, memory, and tradition. First brought to life in his Emmy Award–winning PBS special and bestselling album, this deeply personal project is Perlman’s heartfelt tribute to the sounds of his Yiddish-speaking childhood and the enduring spirit of his musical heritage— rich with soul, storytelling, and irresistible vitality.
SONA JOBARTEH
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude by Meghan Hynson • 6:30 PM
Back by popular demand, experience the extraordinary Sona Jobarteh, a pioneering artist whose global profile continues to rise. Born into a renowned West African Griot family—a musical tradition spanning over seven centuries—she is the first woman to achieve international recognition as a virtuoso on the kora. Blending deep cultural roots with a contemporary voice, Jobarteh creates music that is both timeless and strikingly relevant.
DANCE SERIES
“ Every so often I feel extraordinarily privileged to see something that stuns me to silence”
— New Zealand Arts Review
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
BLACK GRACE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2027 • 7:30 PM
BALBOA THEATRE
Prelude Interview • 6:30 PM
New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company
“ Everything they do is human and marvelous”
— The Independent
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2027 · 7:30 PM
CIVIC THEATRE
Prelude Interview 6:30 PM
Founded by visionary choreographer Neil Ieremia, Black Grace channels the physicality and storytelling traditions of Samoan and New Zealand heritage into dance of striking beauty and power. This internationally acclaimed company will perform Ieremia’s signature works Handgame, Kiona and the Little Bird Suite, and Paradise Rumour along with Paul Taylor’s seminal work, Esplanade. These highly physical works, rich in the storytelling traditions of the South Pacific, shape an evening of unique beauty and cultural resonance.
The Mark Morris Dance Group, “the preeminent modern dance organization of our time” (Yo-Yo Ma) returns with V and Via Dolorosa. In V, Morris’ life-affirming classic with live musicians, Schumann’s soaring Piano Quintet is matched by buoyant, intricate choreography. While Via Dolorosa unfolds to haunting solo harp music, evoking the 14 Stations of the Cross, framed by Howard Hodgkin’s vivid, emotionally resonant set.
NOGRAVITY THEATRE
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027
3 PM & 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Prelude Interview • 6:30 PM
TWO PERFORMANCES
The stage becomes a canvas for the impossible! Dancers transform Dante’s epic into a breathtaking world of illusion, aerial movement, and sculptural choreography. Founded by Emiliano Pellisari, NoGravity is renowned for its gravity-defying choreography, where bodies appear to float, soar, and defy the limits of the stage. Drawing inspiration from the splendor of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras, this striking reimagining of The Divine Comedy transforms a timeless masterpiece into an ethereal, dramatic performance.
45 TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ALONZO KING LINES BALLET
JAZZ MINI-FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2027 • 7:30 PM
CIVIC THEATRE
Prelude Interview • 6:30 PM
Dance joins the Jazz Mini-Festival with a powerful homage to jazz legend Alice Coltrane!
“ Luminous and profoundly alive.” — ArtsBeatLA
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Alonzo King LINES Ballet returns with two programs that display their signature blend of sculptural beauty and raw emotional depth. Visionary choreographer Alonzo King sets Maurice Ravel’s enchanting Mother Goose alongside Ode to Alice, inspired by the transcendent artistry of Alice Coltrane.
Together, these works reflect King’s singular voice—melding classical precision with soulful expression.
SPEAKER SERIES
ERIKA WOOLSEY
DIVING IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Every year the most celebrated reef on Earth erupts like a snow globe during a mass coral spawning. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack from warming oceans. But there is still plenty to see and plenty to save. Go on assignment with marine biologist Erika Woolsey to meet the most colorful residents of this underwater jungle.
ANAND VARMA EXPLORING NATURE’S HIDDEN WORLDS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Anand Varma uses photography and video to share the science behind things the naked eye cannot perceive— everything from honeybee growth inside a colony, to the mechanics of hummingbird flight, to the mating practices of jellyfish, to hunting habits of vampire bats in the Yucatan rainforest.
JODI ROWLEY
WEIRD WORLD OF FROGS
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Bright colors and captivating calls are just the start with some of Earth’s most amazing species. Frogs can turn nearly invisible, leap more than 20 times their body length, and defend themselves with poison. We go on assignment with conservation biologist Jodi Rowley to discover all kinds of incredible abilities and springy biodiversity.
STEVE WINTER
THE RACE TO SAVE BIG CATS
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2027 · 7:30 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Steve Winter is a National Geographic photographer renowned for his dramatic images of big cats in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From tigers in India to mountain lions in Los Angeles, his work reveals the beauty, power, and fragile coexistence between wildlife and the human world.
MANUAL
CINEMA’S LEONARDO! A WONDERFUL SHOW ABOUT A TERRIBLE MONSTER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2026 · 3 PM
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just … isn’t. When he meets the most scaredy-cat kid the world, will they just be scaredy cats or could they become friends? Beloved children’s book author Mo Willems’ delightful characters come to life in Manual Cinema’s imaginative show featuring live music, colorful puppets, playful props, and on-stage movie-making.
Ages 3 and up • 45-minute concert
There are some loud sounds, flashing lights, and furry monster puppets in this show!
MAGIC PIANO & THE CHOPIN SHORTS
FEATURING
DEREK WANG, piano
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2027
10 AM & 11:30 AM
The JAI
An introduction to classical music through a lively animated concert featuring live piano and awardwinning films. Follow Anna and Chip-Chip’s magical flying-piano adventure and enjoy charming short films set to Chopin’s music. Colorful, engaging, and joyful, it’s the perfect first classical experience for young families.
Ages 3 and up • 45-minute concert
ELENA MOON PARK AND FRIENDS
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2027
10 AM & 11:30 AM
The JAI
Global folk and children’s music come to life in performances blending languages and stories from around the world. This celebration of community spotlights East and Southeast Asian traditions, Taiwanese train tunes, Tibetan rhymes, and Spanish dance-along hits. Families are invited to sing, clap, dance, and explore the world through music and shared cultural discovery.
Ages 3 and up • 45-minute concert
CONCERTS @ THE JAI
FRED HERSCH TRIO
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
5 PM · 7:30 PM
Legendary member of jazz’s piano pantheon
Fred Hersch is a seminal figure in modern jazz piano who has shaped the art form for more than three decades. He is a 17-time GRAMMY nominee and recipient the Doris Duke Artist Award whose profound impact on a new generation of jazz pianists prompted pianist Jason Moran to call him “like LeBron James on the basketball court — perfection.”
CAMILLE THURMAN WITH THE DARRELL GREEN QUARTET
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2027 • 5 PM · 7:30 PM
Tenor saxophone and highly inventive vocalist
Camille Thurman is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose fluid tenor saxophone work and inventive singing place her among today’s leading voices in jazz. She has performed with an extraordinary range of luminaries—from Wynton Marsalis to Alicia Keys and together with the Darrell Green Quartet, will bring a thrilling evening of world-class jazz brilliance.
LINDA MAY HAN OH TRIO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
5:30 PM · 8 PM
Striking, rhythmically exhilarating jazz Award-winning bassist Linda May Han Oh leads this dynamic trio performing The Glass Hours, a collection of works based on abstract themes of the fragility of time and life. Her music explores a wide sonic palette, offering a provocative take on contemporary improvisation and composition.
JULIUS RODRIGUEZ FROM THE BENCH TO THE THRONE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2027 • 5:30 PM · 8 PM
American jazz pianist and drummer creates two trios in one evening
In jazz, piano and drums have always lived on opposite sides of the bandstand. But in this unique concert, two trios are created on one stage. When Rodrigues moves from the piano bench and walks to the drum throne, the music creates two distinct sonic identities-- one lyrical and harmonic, the other rhythmic and propulsive. Don’t miss this exciting young voice in contemporary jazz!
JOHN PIZZARELLI PRESENTS “DEAR MR. BENNETT”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026 · 5:30 PM · 8 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026 · 5 PM · 7:30 PM
GRAMMY™-winning guitarist and vocalist celebrates iconic singer Tony Bennett FOUR PERFORMANCES
Acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Pizzarelli honors Tony Bennett’s centennial with a heartfelt tribute rooted in his family’s long connection to the legendary singer. Hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz,” he brings warmth and swing to this celebration of Bennett’s enduring artistry.
TYSHAWN
SOREY TRIO
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2027
5 PM · 7:30 PM
EDMAR CASTAÑEDA QUARTET
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026
5:30 PM · 8 PM
Columbian harpist recognized as one of the most original voices in contemporary Latin jazz
Colombian-born harp virtuoso Edmar Castañeda has redefined the harp’s role in jazz, earning a Latin GRAMMY® nomination and contributing to music in Disney’s Encanto. He has become one of the instrument’s leading innovators, merging jazz with global traditions.
Original works and reimagined American Songbook classics from Pulitzer Prize-winning multi-instrumentalist
Tyshawn Sorey joins GRAMMY-nominated pianist Aaron Diehl and acclaimed bassist Harish Raghavan in a trio the New York Times hails as “stunning.”
Formed in 2021, the Tyshawn Sorey Trio has quickly become one of the most compelling ensembles in modern jazz, offering audiences a fresh, deeply expressive perspective on the jazz tradition.
GOITSE
SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2027
5 PM · 7:30 PM
One of Ireland’s most dynamic and celebrated traditional ensembles
The multi-award-winning Irish quintet Goitse celebrates 15 years as one of Ireland’s most dynamic traditional ensembles, captivating audiences worldwide with their vibrant blend of original tunes and timeless tradition. Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Goitse continues redefining Irish music for global audiences.
CONCERTS @ THE JAI
WILDFLOWERS: KURT ELLING WITH CHRISTIAN SANDS
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2027 • 5:30 PM · 8 PM
Inventive GRAMMY™ Award-winning jazz vocalist and virtuosic jazz pianist
Two of the most compelling voices in modern jazz come together for an extraordinary night of music. Two-time GRAMMY® winner Elling, hailed as “the standout male jazz vocalist of our time” (The New York Times), couples his rich baritone with pianist Christian Sands’ genre-defying innovation. Expect a night of electrifying interplay and world-class musicianship from two artists who continue to shape the future of jazz.
LAKECIA BENJAMIN
JAZZ MINI-FESTIVA L
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2027
5:30 PM · 8 PM
High-energy alto saxophonist blends jazz, funk, and R&B
Five-time GRAMMY® nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist and bandleader known for her captivating live performances and her unique meld of R&B, jazz, and funk. She is firmly established as one of jazz’s foremost artists and was named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress.
DREAMERS’ CIRCUS
SATURDAY APRIL 10, 2027 • 5:30 PM · 8 PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2027 • 5 PM · 7:30 PM
The preeminent international band in Nordic folk and traditional music FOUR PERFORMANCES
Drawing from their backgrounds in traditional and roots music, Dreamers’ Circus presents a genre-bending blend of folk sensitivity, jazz improvisation and classical complexity, all infused with influences from popular music. The result is a music that is resolutely contemporary but also rhythmically and melodically engrossing.
ENDEA OWENS & THE COOKOUT
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2027
5:30 PM · 8 PM
Vibrant trio led by GRAMMY® , EMMY, Peabody Award-winning bassist Endea Owens returns to The Conrad by popular demand after her buoyant 2025 JAI debut!
One of Jazz’s most vibrant emerging artists, Owens has been mentored by Jazz icons and plays with some of the biggest artists working today. Join a wonderful close to the season in a performance that is pure celebration - full of joy, groove, and human connection.
The vibrant array of musical experiences presented by La Jolla Music Society is made possible through the generous support of our family of donors—especially the following Pillar Members and Medallion Society members.
Pillar Members
Brenda Baker and Steve Baum
Raffaella Belanich
Eleanor Charlton
Mary Ellen Clark
Julie and Bert Cornelison
Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon
Irwin Jacobs
Helen and Keith Kim
Angelina and Fred Kleinbub
Dorothea Laub
Vivian Lim and Joseph Wong
Jaqueline and Jean-Luc Robert
Karen and Kit Sickels
Debra Turner
Sue and Peter Wagener
Liqun Wang and Marco Londei
Medallion Society Sponsors
Judith Bachner and Eric Lasley
Jeff Barnouw
Mary Ann Beyster
Abdul Bitar
Robert Black
SEASON SPONSORS
Karen and Jim Brailean
Benjamin Brand and Shara Williams
Gordon Brodfuehrer
Raymond Chinn
Martha and Ed Dennis
Brian Devine
Barbara Enberg
Pam and Hal Fuson
Buzz and Peg Gitelson
Lisa Braun-Glazer and Jeff Glazer
Brenda and Michael Goldbaum
Margaret Stevens Grossman and Michael Grossman
Pati Heestand
John Hesselink
Theresa Jarvis
Christine and Charles Lo
Diana and Eli Lombrozo
Barbara Loonin
Kathleen and Ken Lundgren
Elaine and Doug Muchmore
Arlene and Louis Navias
Pam Palisoul
Peggy and Peter Preuss
Don and Stacy Rosenberg
Leigh P. Ryan
Sheryl and Bob Scarano
Neal and Marge Schmale
Maureen and Tom Shiftan
Gloria and Jospeh Shurman
Susan and Gerald Slavet
Diane and DJ Smith
Annie So
Jeanette Stevens
Gloria and Rodney Stone
Elizabeth Taft
Haeyoung Kong Tang
Susan and Richard Ulevitch
Abby and Ray Weiss
Dolly and Victor Woo
Clara Wu Tsai
Anna and Edward Yeung
Bebe and Marvin Zigman
Anonymous
Listing as of June 2026
The extraordinary performances and community programs presented by La Jolla Music Society are made possible through the generosity of people who believe in the power of the arts. Ticket revenue covers only a portion of the cost of bringing extraordinary performances to our stages and providing meaningful arts experiences throughout our community. Join us in making exceptional experiences possible. Your gift today helps inspire, connect, and enrich our community.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
For the best seats at the best prices, subscribe to a series.
Series Subscriber Benefits
• Series Subscribers keep their same seats in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall and can renew them year over year
• Save 10% on package tickets and save 10% on additional tickets for friends and family
Compose Your Own Package Benefits
• Automatically save 10% when you buy three or more shows
• Save 10% on additional tickets for friends and family to your selected performances
NEW! Gold Level Seating
The best seating locations in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall are now the premium GOLD LEVEL .
To see Gold Level seating in offsite performances, visit TheConrad.org.
ONLINE: THECONRAD.ORG
Series packages are available to new and returning subscribers online. New Subscribers: To subscribe, visit https://transaction.theconrad.org/packages
Returning Subscribers: To renew your subscription, visit https://bit.ly/S58Renewals and log in to your account for easy online renewal. If you wish to make changes to your subscription please call our Box Office team for personal assistance.
for assistance from our friendly Box Office staff
Home of La Jolla Music Society
Photo Credits: Cover: A. McDonald © Allison Michael Orenstein; P.3: S. Cho © Ben Wolf, S. Jobarteh courtesy of artist, Alonzo King LINES Ballet © Fabiana; P-5: Instructor and student, Dancing Couple © Katherine Jenswold; P.8-11: G. Montero © Anders Brogaard, E. Ax © Lisa Marie Mazzucco, V. Olafsson © Ÿari Magg, S. Cho © Stephan Rabold, Y. Wang © BBC Studios A. McDonald © Drew Elhamalawy; P.12-15: N. Radulović © Misha Obradovic, Double Sens © Edourard Brane, Les Arts Florissants, W. Christie, P. Agnew © J. Gazeau, Academy of St Martin in the Fields © Matthew Johnson, C. Tao © Brantley Gutierrez, il Pomo d’Oro courtesy of artists, M. Spyres © Marco Borelli; P.16-19: J. Queyras, A. Tharaud © Marco Borggreve, H. Hahn © Chris Lee, M. Goerne © Marie Staggat, Y. Sunwoo © Roh Seung Hwan, J. Han courtesy of artist, D. Fung © Garibaldi, N. Sierra © Gregor Hohenberg, KODO courtesy of artists; P.20-21: Poiesis Quartet © Lisa Marie Mazzucco, A. Wang courtesy of artist, L. Sternath © Peter Rigaud, Himari courtesy of artists, I. Yang © Sangwook Lee; P.22-23: J. DiDonato, Time for Three © Shervin Lainez, CIRCA © Laura Manariti, V. Starikov © Lisa Marie Mazzuco, Kronos Quartet © Ali Karakas, J. Moran & The Harlem Hellfighters © Camille Blake; P.24-27: The Hot Sardines © Shervin Lainez, W. Marsalis © Lawrence Sumulong, Hiromi & S. Clarke © Rick Swig, J. Moran © Bolade Banjo, ARTEMIS © John Abbot, Meow Meow © Magnus Hastings; P.28-29:L. Downs © Enrique Leyva, Naghash Ensemble © David Galstyan, I. Perlman © Drew Gurian, S. Jobarteh © Rob O’Connor; 30-31: Black Grace © Duncan Cole, Mark Morris Dance Group © Richard Termine, NoGravity Theatre courtesy of artist, Alonzo King LINES Ballet © RJ Muna; P.32: Great Barrier Reef © National Geographic Image Collection, Frog © Guy Edwardes, Jellyfish courtesy of Anand Varma, Leopard © Steve Winter; P.33: Manual Cinema courtesy of artist, Magic Piano courtesy of artists, E. Park © Jesus Gutierrez; P.34-36: F. Hersch courtesy of artist, L. Oh courtesy of artist, E. Castañeda © Diana Bejarano, C. Thurman courtesy of artist, J. Pizzarelli courtesy of artist, J. Rodriguez © Attiba Jefferson, T. Sorrey © Jason Williams, Goitse courtesy of artists, K. Elling © Corey Dewald, C. Sands courtesy of artist, Dreamers’ Circus courtesy of artists, L. Benjamin © Elizabeth Leitzell, E. Owens © Lawrence Sumulong; P.38-40: Baker-Baum Audience © Ken Jacques
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY THE CONRAD PREBYS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 7600 FAY AVENUE, LA JOLLA, CA 92037