JULY 26 – AUGUST 24
VIOLIN
James Ehnes
Augustin Hadelich
Erin Keefe
Stefan Jackiw
Alexi Kenney
Tessa Lark
Yura Lee
Jack Liebeck*
Andrew McIntosh
Simone Porter
Blake Pouliot
Andrew Wan
VIOLA
Nicole Divall*
Yura Lee
Teng Li
Matthew Lipman
Masumi Per Rostad
Jonathan Vinocour
Andrew Waid*
CELLO
Jay Campbell
Sterling Elliott
Jonathan Swensen*
Paul Watkins
Alisa Weilerstein
Paul Wiancko
Kyril Zlotnikov*
BASS
Jeremy Kurtz-Harris
Anthony Manzo
PIANO
Thomas Adès
Inon Barnatan
Conrad Tao
Gilles Vonsattel
Joyce Yang FLUTE
Emi Ferguson*
Rose Lombardo
CLARINET
Tommaso Lonquich*
Anthony McGill
Mark Simpson
BASSET HORN
Taylor Eiffert*
Max Opferkuch*
OBOE
Claire Brazeau*
Nicholas Daniel*
BASSOON
Eleni Katz
Leyla Zamora
HORN
Jennifer Montone
Kaylet Torrez
Mike McCoy
Tricia Skye
TRUMPET
Chris Coletti*
TROMBONE
James Miller* GUITAR
Sean Shibe*
HARP
Julie Smith Phillips
PERCUSSION
Dustin Donahue
Sidney Hopson
Michael Yeung*
CONDUCTOR
Jonathan Cohen*
Ludovic Morlot*
ORGAN
Ruben Valenzuela
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE
Thomas Adès
STAGE DIRECTOR
Annette Jolles*
DANCER
Caleb Teicher*
ENSEMBLES
Brandee Younger Trio*
Brandee Younger, harp
Rashaan Carter, bass
Allan Mednard, drums
Dan Tepfer* — Natural Machines
The Paper Cinema*
Nicholas Rawling, illustrator and artistic director
Chris Reed, musical director
VOCES8*
Andrea Haines, MaryRuth Miller, sopranos;
Katie Jeffries-Harris, alto;
Barnaby Smith, countertenor & artistic director;
Blake Morgan, Euan Williamson, tenors; Christopher Moore, Dominic Carver, basses
FELLOWSHIP ARTIST ENSEMBLES
Abeo Quartet*†
Njioma Grevious, Rebecca Benjamin, violins; James Kang, viola; Macintyre Taback, cello
Fellowship Artist Trio/Quartet*†
Anna Han, piano; SooBeen Lee, violin;
Brian Isaacs, viola; Leland Ko, cello
FILMMAKER-IN-RESIDENCE
Tristan Cook
*SummerFest debut
† indicates Fellowship Artist
Dear Friends,
“When words leave off, music begins.” This profound insight from Heinrich Heine encapsulates the essence of our journey this summer. Welcome to the 2024 La Jolla SummerFest, where this season’s theme, “Inside Stories,” promises an exploration into the depth of storytelling through the universal language of music.
This year, we delve into narratives woven in melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Music, after all, has the unique ability to tell stories without uttering a single word, conveying emotions and experiences that resonate deeply within our souls. Through “Inside Stories,” we aim to unveil the tales that composers have embedded in their works, from the dramatic to the whimsical, the heart-wrenching to the uplifting.
Our opening night sets the stage for this narrative journey, with a world-premiere theatrical production and a devilishly exciting array of virtuosic performances.
Our beloved Synergy Initiative returns, exploring the intersection of music and other art forms. It starts with our opening night, bringing actors, musicians, puppeteers, and visual artists together for an exciting new production of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. Later in the festival we feature a special collaboration between pianist Conrad Tao and tap-dance virtuoso Caleb Teicher, and experience the intersection of jazz and technology featuring the exciting jazz pianist Dan Tepfer.
I am also thrilled to bring back our Midweek Masterworks, where each Wednesday concert contextualizes one of the cornerstones of the repertoire in an intermission-free concert followed by a social drink in the courtyard. These evenings promise a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music we love and the stories behind them.
As always, the heart of La Jolla SummerFest remains its incredible artists. This year’s lineup includes virtuosos and ensembles renowned not just for their technical excellence but for their ability to breathe life into the stories their music tells. We are especially happy to welcome an unusual number of artists from the UK this year, including a welcome return of Thomas Adès for his second year as composer-in-residence following his profoundly brilliant residency in 2023.
Join us at The Conrad for a season of “Inside Stories,” where we celebrate the power of music to tell tales, evoke emotions, and connect us all. It’s a journey through the narratives hidden within notes and rests, waiting to be discovered and cherished.
I eagerly anticipate sharing these musical stories with you.
See you at the festival!
Inon Barnatan SummerFest Music Director4 Eventful Weeks, 19 Dynamic Performances, Dozens of Stellar International
And You.
Every summer the world’s finest classical musicians gather at The Conrad Performing Arts Center for this celebration of chamber music led by acclaimed pianist and SummerFest Music Director Inon Barnatan. Join music lovers from around the world for four weeks of breathtaking concerts in the visually and acoustically stunning Baker-Baum Concert Hall and our intimate cabaret space, The JAI.
With a captivating theme of “Inside Stories,” this year’s 19 concerts will transport you into the heart of musical narratives that span the spectrum of life itself—stories of resilience, love, scandal, and triumph.
Deepen your festival experience and unlock new insights into the music with a robust series of free learning and engagement events
led by SummerFest artists, esteemed musical scholars, and La Jolla Music Society staff.
Don’t forget to stop to enjoy a cocktail, meet the artists, and connect with other festival attendees in the inviting Wu Tsai QRT. yrd.
Friday, July 26 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
Step into the spellbinding world of The Soldier’s Tale by Stravinsky, the classic tale of a soldier’s pact with the devil reimagined in an electrifying new production conducted by Thomas Adès, featuring hand-drawn animation, live puppetry, and powerful storytelling by the groundbreaking company The Paper Cinema. It will be an opening night like no other—join us for a truly magical evening of devilish delights.
LISZT Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514
Inon Barnatan, piano
TARTINI Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Continuo “The Devil’s Trill”
Augustin Hadelich, violin; Inon Barnatan, harpsichord; Macintyre Taback† , cello
PAGANINI Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
Augustin Hadelich, violin
STRAVINSKY L’Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier’s Tale)
Alexi Kenney, violin; Mark Simpson, clarinet; Eleni Katz, bassoon; Chris Coletti, cornet; James Miller, trombone; Michael Yeung, percussion; Anthony Manzo, bass; Thomas Adès, conductor
SERIES
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The JAI
Saturday, July 27 · 7:30 PM
An evening of haunting melodies and mystical dance unfolds, from Ysaÿe’s and Ravel’s intense narratives to the whimsical charm of Butler’s Roald Dahl-inspired Dirty Beasts and Adès’ spirited Catch. The program culminates with Schubert’s profound “Death and the Maiden,” weaving together an unforgettable tapestry of music that oscillates between the ethereal, the playful, and the deeply moving.
YSAŸE Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor “Obsession”
Augustin Hadelich, violin
SAINT-SAËNS
Danse Macabre for Violin and Piano, Op. 40
Augustin Hadelich, violin; Inon Barnatan, piano
MARTIN BUTLER Dirty Beasts
Inon Barnatan, piano; Rose Lombardo, flute/piccolo; Nicholas Daniel, oboe; Mark Simpson, clarinet/bass clarinet; Eleni Katz, bassoon; Jennifer Montone, horn
THOMAS ADÈS Catch
Mark Simpson, clarinet; Alexi Kenney, violin; Jay Campbell, cello; Thomas Adès, piano
RAVEL La Valse for Two Pianos
Thomas Adès, Inon Barnatan, pianos
SCHUBERT String Quartet in D Minor, D. 810 “Death and the Maiden”
Andrew Wan, Tessa Lark, violins; Teng Li, viola; Jonathan Swensen, cello
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
Sunday, July 28 • 3 PM
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.
JANÁČEK String Quartet No. 1 “Kreutzer Sonata”
Alexi Kenney, Tessa Lark, violins; Teng Li, viola; Jonathan Swensen, cello
Selections from On an Overgrown Path
Thomas Adès, piano
Violin Sonata
Augustin Hadelich, violin; Thomas Adès, piano
THOMAS ADÈS Suite from Tempest for Violin and Piano
Augustin Hadelich, violin; Thomas Adès, piano
BEETHOVEN Kreutzer Sonata, Op. 47 (arr. for string quintet)
Tessa Lark, Andrew Wan, violins; Teng Li, viola; Jay Campbell, Jonathan Swensen, cellos
Wednesday, July 31 · 7 PM
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.
MOZART Serenade No. 10 for Winds “Gran Partita”
Nicholas Daniel, Claire Brazeau, oboes; Mark Simpson, Tommaso Lonquich, clarinets; Taylor Eiffert, Max Opferkuch, basset horns; Eleni Katz, Leyla Zamora, bassoons; Jennifer Montone, Kaylet Torrez, Tricia Skye, Mike McCoy, horns; Anthony Manzo, bass; Jonathan Cohen, conductor
Curated by Thomas Adès
Thursday, August 1 · 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
This “takeover” concert, curated by renowned composer Thomas Adès, showcases him as composer, teacher, pianist, and conductor, and includes the U.S. première of Forgotten Dances with international guitar sensation Sean Shibe.
FRANCISCO COLL Turia
Sean Shibe, guitar; Emi Ferguson, flute; Mark Simpson, clarinet/bass clarinet; Michael Yeung, percussion; Abeo Quartet†; Anna Han† , piano; Thomas Adès, conductor
THOMAS ADÈS Forgotten Dances – US Premi è re Sean Shibe, guitar
DE FALLA Concerto for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Violin and Cello
Thomas Adès, piano; Emi Ferguson, flute; Nicholas Daniel, oboe; Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet; SooBeen Lee†, violin; Leland Ko†, cello
Stay after the show for a post-concert onstage conversation with the artists, hosted by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim!
Friday, August 2 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
A journey through the Baroque era’s most imaginative and whimsical works, featuring Telemann’s Don Quixote Suite and Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, capturing the essence of storytelling through music.
TELEMANN Don Quixote Suite, TWV 55-G10
PURCELL Excerpts from The Fairy Queen
VIVALDI Flute Concerto in G Minor, RV 439 “La Notte”
REBEL Les Éléments
SummerFest Baroque Orchestra
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The JAI Lecture by Kristi Brown Montesano
Emi Ferguson, Rose Lombardo, flutes; Alexi Kenney, Tessa Lark, SooBeen Lee†, Andrew McIntosh, violins; Nicole Divall, Andrew Waid, violas; Jay Campbell, Leland Ko†, Jonathan Swensen, cellos; Anthony Manzo, bass; Michael Yeung, percussion; Jonathan Cohen, harpsichord and conductor
Saturday, August 3 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
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.
FANNY MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 11
Erin Keefe, violin; Jay Campbell, cello; Joyce Yang, piano
CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO Guitar Quintet, Op. 143
Sean Shibe, guitar; Abeo Quartet†
SCHULHOFF Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
Nicholas Daniel, oboe; Tommaso Lonquich, clarinet; Eleni Katz, bassoon
FELIX MENDELSSOHN String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80
Tessa Lark, Rebecca Benjamin†, violins; Nicole Divall, viola; Jay Campbell, cello
JAI
PRELUDE
2 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Trio†
Sunday, August 4 · 3 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
This varied program blends the elegance of Bach’s Lute Suite, 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.
J.S. BACH Lute Suite in E Minor, BWV 996 (arr. for marimba)
PAUL LANSKY Selections from Three Movements for Marimba
Michael Yeung, percussion
PIAZZOLLA Histoire du Tango
Tessa Lark, violin; Sean Shibe, guitar
STRAVINSKY Suite Italienne
Erin Keefe, violin; Joyce Yang, piano
TCHAIKOVSKY The Nutcracker Suite for Two Pianos
Joyce Yang, Inon Barnatan, pianos
Saturday, August 3 2:30 PM
Wednesday, August 7 · 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
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.
ARVO PÄRT Solfeggio VOCES8
MOZART String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465 “Dissonance”
Erin Keefe, Stefan Jackiw, violins; Nicole Divall, viola; Sterling Elliott, cello
ARVO PÄRT Spiegel Im Spiegel
Stefan Jackiw, violin; Anna Han†, piano
MOZART Duo for Violin and Cello K.423
Blake Pouliot, violin; Sterling Elliott, cello
ARVO PÄRT Fratres
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
Thursday, August 8 · 6 PM & 8:30 PM
The JAI
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.
“ The go-to harpist of her generation.”
— Financial Times
Thursday, August 15 · 6 PM & 8:30 PM
The JAI
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.
“ A delight to hear and behold.” — San Francisco Classical Voice
Arrive early to enjoy small bites and drinks in the cabaret setting of The JAI! SYNERGY
Friday, August 9 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
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.
J.S. BACH Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich, BWV 150 VOCES8; Stefan Jackiw, SooBeen Lee† , violins; Sterling Elliott, Leland Ko† , cellos; Inon Barnatan, organ
GIBBONS O Clap Your Hands
MOUTON Nesciens mater
CAROLINE SHAW And the swallow
RACHMANINOFF Bogoroditse Devo
JAKE RUNESTAD Let My Love Be Heard VOCES8
REENA ESMAIL When the Violin VOCES8; Sterling Elliott, cello
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 “Archduke” Inon Barnatan, piano; Stefan Jackiw, violin; Alisa Weilerstein, cello
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Quartet†
OPEN REHEARSAL
Thursday, August 8 1:30 PM
Sunday, August 11 · 3 PM
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.
RAVEL Duo for Violin and Cello
Stefan Jackiw, violin; Sterling Elliott, cello
ARENSKY Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 32
Inon Barnatan, piano; Blake Pouliot, violin; Alisa Weilerstein, cello
FAURÉ Requiem in D Minor, Op. 48
VOCES8; Stefan Jackiw, solo violin; Matthew Lipman, Brian Isaacs†, James Kang† , violas; Sterling Elliott, Macintyre Taback†, Leland Ko† , cellos; Jeremy Kurtz-Harris, bass; Julie Smith Phillips, harp; Ruben Valenzuela, organ; Ludovic Morlot, conductor
PRELUDE
2 PM
Performance by Community Chorus and VOCES8
Wednesday, August 14 · 7 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
A musical exploration of passion—and the madness, jealousy, and ecstasy it can inspire. From Gesualdo’s murderous heart to Debussy’s sordid affair to Franck’s torrid infatuation, Notes on a Scandal exposes the dangerous (but melodious!) consequences of love gone wrong.
GESUALDO Two Madrigals (arr. for String Quintet)
Simone Porter, Blake Pouliot, violins;
Matthew Lipman, Masumi Per Rostad, violas; Paul Wiancko, cello
DEBUSSY Six épigraphes antiques for Piano Four-Hands
Inon Barnatan, Conrad Tao, piano
FRANCK Piano Quintet in F Minor
Conrad Tao, piano; Blake Pouliot, Simone Porter, violins; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; Paul Wiancko, cello
Friday, August 16 • 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
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 Première of a new work as part of their latest collaboration, Counterpoint II.
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The JAI Interview
Conrad Tao
Caleb Teicher
Saturday, August 17 • 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
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.
RACHMANINOFF et al. Rachmaninoff Songbook
Conrad Tao, piano
ROZSA Sonata for Two Violins, Op. 15a
Blake Pouliot, Simone Porter, violins
REENA ESMAIL Fantasia from String Quartet “Ragamala” Abeo Quartet†
TERRY RILEY G Song
Simone Porter, Blake Pouliot, violins; Matthew Lipman, viola; Paul Wiancko, cello
JOHN WILLIAMS Theme from Schindler’s List
Simone Porter, solo violin; Blake Pouliot, SooBeen Lee†, violins;
Matthew Lipman, Brian Isaacs† , violas; Paul Wiancko, Leland Ko† , cellos
JOHN ADAMS Selections from John’s Book of Alleged Dances
Blake Pouliot, Simone Porter, violins; Masumi Per Rostad, viola; Paul Wiancko, cello
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
The JAI
Lecture by Ara Guzelimian
Wednesday, August 21 • 7 PM The
This concert highlights Brahms’ String Sextet No. 1, brought to life through musicians’ personal stories and the rich histories of their instruments. It features Bartók’s Contrasts, a vibrant fusion of classical and jazz commissioned by Benny Goodman, and Michi Wiancko’s Lullaby for the Transient, a meditative piece on immigration. Together these performances weave a tapestry of personal and historical narratives, offering a deeply engaging exploration of music’s power to tell stories.
BARTÓK Contrasts
Yura Lee, violin; Anthony McGill, clarinet; Gilles Vonsattel, piano
MICHI WIANCKO Lullaby for the Transient
Simone Porter, SooBeen Lee† , violins; Jonathan Vinocour, viola; Paul Wiancko, cello; Anthony McGill, clarinet
BRAHMS String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18
James Ehnes, Jack Liebeck, violins; Yura Lee, Jonathan Vinocour, violas; Paul Watkins, Kyril Zlotnikov, cellos
Tuesday, August 20 4 PM
Friday, August 23 • 7:30 PM The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
This powerful concert traces a path from adversity to triumph, spotlighting Beethoven’s “Serioso” Quartet and Bridge’s Cello Sonata, both echoing the turmoil and resolve of wartime, alongside Coleridge-Taylor’s Romantic Clarinet Quintet, a testament to overcoming societal barriers.
BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 “Serioso”
James Ehnes, Simone Porter, violins; Jonathan Vinocour, viola; Paul Watkins, cello
BRIDGE Cello Sonata, H. 125
Paul Watkins, cello; Gilles Vonsattel, piano
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR Clarinet Quintet in F-sharp Minor, Op. 10
Anthony McGill, clarinet; Jack Liebeck, Njioma Grevious† , violins; Yura Lee, viola; Kyril Zlotnikov, cello
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
Saturday, August 24 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
This concert brings the festival to a vibrant close, featuring an eclectic mix of pieces that celebrate the joy of music, from Paul Schoenfield’s lively Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano, to the pastoral serenity of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. The rhythmic vitality of Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story leads to an uplifting conclusion with Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings.
PAUL SCHOENFIELD Selections from Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano
Jack Liebeck, violin; Anthony McGill, clarinet; Gilles Vonsattel, piano
BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Gilles Vonsattel, Inon Barnatan, pianos; Dustin Donahue, Sidney Hopson, percussion
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
James Ehnes, solo violin
Jack Liebeck, concertmaster
SummerFest Chamber Orchestra
DVOŘÁK Serenade for Strings
SummerFest Chamber Orchestra
PRELUDE 6:30 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Quartet†
All activities free. Registration opens June 28.
Observe the intricate rehearsal process that goes into every SummerFest performance and engage in conversation with the artists during post-rehearsal Q&As.
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. No RSVP required.
Follow Fellowship Artists on their musical journey with a series of master classes conducted by seasoned performers from the SummerFest roster.
The JAI. No RSVP required.
Free afternoon events featuring intriguing lectures, discussions, and performances. Encounters share diverse perspectives and provide fascinating insights into the ways in which music is created, influenced, interpreted, and performed.
Musical Encounters featuring performances by Fellowship Artists are held in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Other Encounters will take place in The JAI. RSVP required.
The spark of creativity is unique for every individual.
Drawing on the theme “Inside Stories,” the Artist Lounge is an intimate, in-depth conversation hosted by Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal.
The Atkinson Room. RSVP required.
Esteemed scholars provide musical and historical insights into the concert in engaging lectures and discussions.
Musical Preludes include performances by Fellowship Artists.
Musical Preludes are held in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
All other Preludes are in The JAI.
Open to ticket holders only.
See the SummerFest Calendar on pages 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 on Friday, June 28.
For over 35 years, students from leading music programs across the country have participated in one of SummerFest’s longest traditions, the Fellowship Artist program. Selected by a review panel of esteemed professional musicians, the Fellowship Artists represent some of the most exciting emerging talent in classical music. Many of the artists from the program have gone on to lead major orchestras and win prestigious international competitions and awards, and much to the thrill of audiences, often return to SummerFest as senior musicians.
We are proud to welcome these eight talented musicians as our SummerFest 2024 Fellowship Artists.
For the best SummerFest experience, enjoy multiple concerts! Save 10% when you order three or more shows in the Compose-Your-Own package.
Select any concerts you like or consider one of these series.
Midweek Masterworks
Jul 31 Amadeus
Aug 7 Mozart & Pärt
Aug 14 Notes on a Scandal
Aug 21 Instrumental Stories
Each intermission-less concert in our new series highlights and contextualizes one of the “greatest hits” of the chamber repertoire! Join us for a celebratory toast in The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd after the performance!
Synergy Initiative
Co-produced by Inon Barnatan and Clara Wu Tsai
Jul 26 A Deal with the Devil
Aug 15 Dan Tepfer: Natural Machines
Aug 16 Counterpoint II
The Synergy Initiative invites top creators of music, dance, spoken word, and visual arts to collaborate across their different art forms to create performances that inspire audiences in unexpected and powerful ways.
Alisa Weilerstein
Save 10% with a Compose-Your-Own package of three or more concerts.
· Make your concert selection(s)
· Choose your seating zone
· Order online at TheConrad.org. The Compose-Your-Own discount will be automatically applied when you buy 3 or more concerts.
· Or call 858.459.3728 for personalized assistance from our friendly Box Office staff.
· Or visit our Box Office at 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037 Buy
Saturday, August 10, 2024 · 6 PM
Maureen Shiftan SummerFest Gala Chair
Sue Wagener SummerFest Chair
Please join us for La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest Gala at the Windansea oceanfront home of Maureen and Tom Shiftan.
This celebratory evening features cocktails, seated dinner, and a cameo performance by VOCES8.
To secure your tickets or for more information, please contact Vivian Vu at VVu@TheConrad.org or 858.526.3450.
Festival Founding Sponsors
Brenda Baker and Steve Baum
Synergy Series Producers
Inon Barnatan
Clara Wu Tsai
SummerFest Music Director Sponsors
Raffaella Belanich
SummerFest Chair
Sue Wagener
Gala Chair
Maureen Shiftan
Medallion Society and Festival Sponsors
Judith Bachner and Eric Lasley
Jeffrey Barnouw
Brenda Baker and Steve Baum
Raffaella and John Belanich
Mary Ann Beyster
Bjorn Bjerede and Jo Kiernan
Bob and Ginny Black
Karen and James Brailean
Gordon Brodfuehrer
Raymond Chinn
Mary Ellen Clark
Julie and Bert Cornelison
Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund
Martha and Ed Dennis
Silvija and Brian Devine
Barbara Enberg
Sue and Chris Fan
Joy Frieman
Pam and Hal Fuson
Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon
Lehn and Richard Goetz
Brenda and Michael Goldbaum
Peg and Buzz Peg Gitelson
Lisa Braun-Glazer and Jeff Glazer
Margaret and Michael Grossman
Pati Heestand
John Hesselink
Joan and Irwin Jacobs
Theresa Jarvis
Helen and Keith Kim
Angelina and Fred Kleinbub
Marilee and Peter Kovacs
Dorothea Laub
Vivian Lim and Joseph Wong
Kathleen and Ken Lundgren
Elaine and Doug Muchmore
Arlene and Louis Navias
Peggy and Peter Preuss
Sylvia and Steven Ré
Catherine Rivier
Stacy and Don Rosenberg
Leigh P. Ryan
Sheryl and Bob Scarano
Marge and Neal Schmale
Maureen and Tom Shiftan
Susan Shirk and Sam Popkin
Robert Singer
Gerald and Susan Slavet
Diane and DJ Smith
Jeanette Stevens
Gloria and Rodney Stone
Joyce and Ted Strauss
Elizabeth Taft
Haeyoung Kong Tang
Debra Turner
Susan and Richard Ulevitch
Sue and Peter Wagener
Abby and Ray Weiss
Shara Williams and Benjamin Brand
Dolly and Victor Woo
Anna and Edward Yeung
Bebe and Marvin Zigman
Anonymous (2)
Listing as of April 2024
JULY 26 to AUGUST 24
PRELUDE · 2 PM · The JAI Lecture
PASSIONS AND STORMS · 3 PM
ARTIST LOUNGE with Mark Simpson
Hosted by Leah Rosenthal · 1 PM · The Atkinson Room
PRELUDE · 2 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Trio†
SUITE · 3 PM
ARTIST LOUNGE with SummerFest Artist
Hosted by Leah Rosenthal · 1 PM · The Atkinson Room
ENCOUNTER · 2 PM · The JAI The Art of Listening with Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
Amadeus · 7 PM COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6 PM · The JAI Hosted by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
PRELUDE · 2 PM
Performance by Community Chorus and VOCES8
IN LOVING MEMORY · 3 PM
ARTIST LOUNGE with Paul Wiancko
Hosted by Leah Rosenthal · 1 PM · The Atkinson Room
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
ENCOUNTER · 2 PM
The Last Repair Shop Screening
PRELUDE · 6 PM
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
MIDWEEK MASTERWORKS: Mozart & Pärt · 7 PM
ARTIST LOUNGE with Yura Lee
Hosted by Leah Rosenthal · 1 PM · The Atkinson Room
ENCOUNTER · 2 PM
Fellowship Artist Spotlight I
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6 PM · The JAI
Lecture by Ara Guzelimian
MIDWEEK MASTERWORKS: Notes on a Scandal · 7 PM
OPEN REHEARSAL · 4 PM
Bartók’s Contrasts
ENCOUNTER · 2 PM
Fellowship Artist Spotlight II
COACHING WORKSHOPS ·10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6 PM · The JAI
Interview
MIDWEEK MASTERWORKS: Instrumental Stories · 7 PM
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6 PM · The JAI
Hosted by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
TAKEOVER @ THE BAKER-BAUM: Curated by Thomas Adès · 7 PM
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
OPEN REHEARSAL · 1:30 PM
Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 “Archduke”
JAZZ @ The JAI WITH BRANDEE YOUNGER TRIO
6 PM & 8:30 PM · The JAI
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
JAZZ @ The JAI WITH DAN TEPFER
Natural Machines · 6 PM & 8:30 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM · The JAI
Interview with Inon Barnatan hosted by Leah Rosenthal
SYNERGY: OPENING NIGHT: A Deal with the Devil · 7:30 PM
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM · The JAI
Lecture by Kristi Brown Montesano
BAROQUE FANTASIA · 7:30 PM
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
DANSE MACABRE · 7:30 PM
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Quartet†
GRATITUDE · 7:30 PM
OPEN REHEARSAL · 2:30 PM
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite for Two Pianos
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM · The JAI
Lecture by Kristi Brown Montesano
RESILIENCE · 7:30 PM
ENCOUNTER · 2 PM · The JAI
California Dreamin’ with Ara Guzelimian
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM · The JAI
Interview
SYNERGY: COUNTERPOINT II · 7:30 PM
6 PM
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM · The JAI
Lecture by Ara Guzelimian
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ · 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 June 28 at TheConrad.org. Scan here to purchase tickets
COACHING WORKSHOPS · 10 AM–12 PM · The JAI
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM
Performance by Abeo Quartet†
THE ROAD TO VICTORY · 7:30 PM
PRELUDE · 6:30 PM
Performance by Fellowship Artist Quartet†
SUMMERFEST FINALE: A Song and Dance · 7:30 PM
For parking information please visit TheConrad.org
Blake Pouliot
PHOTO CREDITS: Cover: Head with Flowers © Fred Tomaselli 1996, photography Philipp Scholz Ritterman; Pg.2: E. Ferguson © Fay Fox; Pg.3: I. Barnatan © Marco Borggreve; Pg.4-5: The Baker-Baum Concert Hall © Steve Uzzell; Pg.6: A. Hadelich © Suxiao Yang; Pg.7: T. Li courtesy of artist, J. Swensen courtesy of artist, M. Simpson © Chelsey Browne; Pg.8: J. Campbell © Shervin Lainez; A. Wan courtesy of artist, Tessa Lark courtesy of artist; Pg.9: J. Montone courtesy of artist, E. Katz © Cutts Photo, J. Cohen © Marco Borggreve; Pg.10: T. Adès © Mathias Benguigui; Pg.11: A. Kenney © M. Grittani; Pg.12: N. Divall courtesy of artist, T. Lonquich © Andrej Grilc; Pg.13: S. Shibe © Kaupo Kikkas, M. Yeung courtesy of artist, Erin Keefe courtesy of artist; Pg.14: Alisa Weilerstein © Evelyn Freja; Pg.15: B. Younger courtesy of artist, D. Tepfer courtesy of artist; Pg.16: VOCES8 © Andy Staples; Pg.17: S. Jackiw © Sangwook Lee, M. Lipman courtesy of artist, S. Elliott courtesy of artist; Pg.18: M. Per Rostad courtesy of artist; Pg.19: C. Tao, C. Teicher © Em Watson; Pg.20: S. Porter © Elisha Knight; Pg.21: A. McGill © Todd Rosenberg; Pg.22: Y. Lee courtesy of artist; Pg.23: J. Ehnes © Ben Ealovega; Pg.24: L. Rosenthal, I. Barnatan, A.Boles, Takács Quartet, Quartet Integra © Ken Jacques; Pg. 25: Abeo Quartet courtesy of artists, A. Han, S. Lee, B. Isaacs, L. Ko courtesy of artists; Pgs. 26-27: A.Weilerstein, T. Adès, A. Wan, S. Jackiw, A. Kenney, T. Lark, I. Barnatan, S. Elliott, M. Lipman, J. Vinocour, A. McGill, B. Pouliot © Ken Jacques; Back Cover: B. Pouliot © Lauren Hurt