The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

<h3>A festival within the festival.</h3>
<p>Bach’s exhilarating Brandenburg Concertos—bursting with color, virtuosity, and fearless invention—take center stage across two vibrant programs that celebrate the joy of collaboration. Alongside these Baroque landmarks, music by our Composer-in-Residence Paul Wiancko and our Ensemble-in-Residence Imani Winds brings fresh energy to the conversation, proving that the spirit of innovation Bach embodied is still very much alive.</p>

Local Event: The Complete Brandenburgs: Part I

San Diego County

La Jolla

California

The Complete Brandenburgs: Part I

A festival within the festival.
Bach’s exhilarating Brandenburg Concertos—bursting with color, virtuosity, and fearless...

Local Event: The Complete Brandenburgs: Part II

The Complete Brandenburgs: Part II

<p>Cellist-composer Paul Wiancko—a member of the legendary Kronos Quartet—curates a concert that puts creativity front and center. Part salon, part sonic lab, this intimate set with festival artists brings you up close to the energy of a musician actively making history now.</p>
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Local Event: TAKEOVER @ The JAI with Paul Wiancko

TAKEOVER @ The JAI with Paul Wiancko

Cellist-composer Paul Wiancko—a member of the legendary Kronos Quartet—curates a concert that puts creativity front and center....

<h3>Music survives by transformation—and this program celebrates reinvention as a creative force.</h3>
<p>Thomas Adès reimagines Purcell before leading the U.S. première of a newly revised version of his miniature <em>Concerto Conciso</em>, and Brahms’ beloved Piano Quintet—famously transformed through multiple versions—closes the program in its final, towering incarnation.</p>

Local Event: Remade/Reborn

Remade/Reborn

Music survives by transformation—and this program celebrates reinvention as a creative force.
Thomas Adès reimagines Purcell...

<h3>Past, present, and future share the stage in one jubilant night.</h3>
<p>Music Director Inon Barnatan joins festival favorite Jeremy Denk in a virtuosic opener, former Music Director Cho-Liang Lin returns for legendary composer John Williams’s <em>Quartet La Jolla</em>—written for SummerFest—and a world premiere commission looks ahead, before the piece that closed the very first SummerFest concert brings the celebration home.</p>

Local Event: SummerFest at 40!

SummerFest at 40!

Past, present, and future share the stage in one jubilant night.
Music Director Inon Barnatan joins festival favorite Jeremy...

<h3>From the lost years of war to the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, England’s music finds a new voice.</h3>
<p>Vaughan Williams’ windswept poetry and Elgar’s searing Piano Quintet give way to Walton’s dazzling <em>Façade</em>—a jazzy, theatrical burst of modern energy— as an old country steps boldly into a new age.</p>

Local Event: Old Country, New Age

Old Country, New Age

From the lost years of war to the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, England’s music finds a new voice.
Vaughan Williams’...

<h3>Step inside the salons where Schubert’s music first came to life.</h3>
<p>This evening recreates the spirit of the original Schubertiades—intimate gatherings where friends shared new songs and chamber works at close range. Songs, chamber music, and the radiant Fantasy for four hands draw us into the world of 1820s Vienna, where this music was heard for the very first time.</p>

Local Event: Schubertiade

Schubertiade

Step inside the salons where Schubert’s music first came to life.
This evening recreates the spirit of the original...

Balboa Theatre

<h3>World-renowned pianist Brad Mehldau expands the language between genres with an homage to the late indie folk artist Elliott Smith, whose music inspired a generation of songwriters.</h3>
<p>Joined by Chris Thile (vocals), Blake Mills (vocals), Matt Chamberlain (drums), and John Davis (bass), this lauded band is backed by the 17-piece USC Thornton Chamber Virtuosi on Mehldau’s rich cinematic arrangements.</p>

Local Event: Brad Mehldau: Ride into the Sun

Brad Mehldau: Ride into the Sun

World-renowned pianist Brad Mehldau expands the language between genres with an homage to the late indie folk artist Elliott...

<h3>From Shakespeare-inspired song to Beethoven’s haunting “Ghost” Trio, composers engage the voices of the past.</h3>
<p>The evening culminates in Vaughan Williams’ luminous <em>Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis</em>—a rare chance to hear this soaring work performed by a specially assembled large ensemble in all its radiant breadth.</p>

Local Event: Conversation Across Centuries

Conversation Across Centuries

From Shakespeare-inspired song to Beethoven’s haunting “Ghost” Trio, composers engage the voices of the past.
The evening...

<p>For centuries, artists have understood the power of three—a principle woven throughout history in art, storytelling, and music. This exuberant finale embraces that timeless idea, pairing chamber works and concertos built around trios of soloists in a joyful, virtuosic celebration to close the season.</p>

Local Event: Rule of Three

Rule of Three

For centuries, artists have understood the power of three—a principle woven throughout history in art, storytelling, and music....

<h3>Fred Hersch is a seminal figure in modern jazz piano who has shaped the art form for more than three decades as an improviser, composer, bandleader, and educator.</h3>
<p>Hailed by <em>Vanity Fair</em> as “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz” and by <em>The New Yorker</em> as “a living legend,” he is a seventeen-time GRAMMY® nominee and recipient of major honors including the Doris Duke Artist Award and multiple Jazz Journalists Association awards.</p>
<p>He is a devoted educator who has taught at New England Conservatory, The Juilliard School, and the New School, while giving master classes worldwide. His impact on a new generation of jazz pianists is profound, shaping artists from Brad Mehldau to Sullivan Fortner, prompting Jason Moran to call him “like LeBron James on the basketball court — perfection.”</p>

Local Event: Fred Hersch Trio

Fred Hersch Trio

Fred Hersch is a seminal figure in modern jazz piano who has shaped the art form for more than three decades as an improviser,...

<h3>Striking, rhythmically exhilarating jazz</h3>
<p>Award-winning NYC-based bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh leads this dynamic trio performing <em>The Glass</em> <em>Hours:</em> a collection of works based on abstract themes of the fragility of time and life, particularly exploring the paradoxes and opposites we find ourselves struggling with within our individual and societal values.</p>
<p>The music is striking and rhythmically exhilarating and explores a wide sonic palette blending acoustic with electric elements, offering a provocative take on contemporary improvisation and composition.</p>

Local Event: Linda May Han Oh Trio

Linda May Han Oh Trio

Striking, rhythmically exhilarating jazz
Award-winning NYC-based bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh leads this dynamic trio...

<h3>An acclaimed première from the Bregenzer Festspiele comes to The Conrad.</h3>
<p>GRAMMY® Award winners Joyce DiDonato and Time For Three share the stage in a unique collaboration that blends voice, strings, and storytelling to illuminate Dickinson’s words in a fresh and moving way.</p>
<p><em>Emily–No Prisoner Be</em> 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, Emily Dickinson’s poetry and Puts’ music feel as if they have always belonged together.</p>

Local Event: Joyce DiDonato & Time For Three: Emily–No Prisoner Be

Joyce DiDonato & Time For Three: Emily–No...

An acclaimed première from the Bregenzer Festspiele comes to The Conrad.
GRAMMY® Award winners Joyce DiDonato and Time For...

Joyce DiDonato & Time For Three: Emily–No Prisoner Be

<h3>First Prize of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition</h3>
<p>Hailed by <em>The New York Times</em> as “brilliantly idiomatic,” this acclaimed quartet is setting the classical music world ablaze, earning some of the most prestigious honors in performance today. A thrilling matinee concert awaits—from an energetic Prokofiev masterpiece to Beethoven’s deeply moving final quartet.</p>

Local Event: Poiesis Quartet

Poiesis Quartet

First Prize of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition
Hailed by The New York Times as “brilliantly idiomatic,”...

<h3>The internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Montero returns to La Jolla Music Society with a richly expressive recital of Spanish and Spanish-inspired music.</h3>
<p>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.</p>

Local Event: Gabriela Montero

Gabriela Montero

The internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Montero returns to La Jolla Music Society with a richly expressive recital of...

<h3>GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and vocalist celebrates iconic singer Tony Bennett</h3>
<p>John Pizzarelli, the GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and vocalist, honors Tony Bennett’s centennial with a heartfelt tribute rooted in his family’s long connection to the legendary singer. His father, Bucky Pizzarelli, frequently performed with Bennett, and John later joined the icon for a memorable radio session. Bennett often attended Pizzarelli’s shows and even sketched him—one drawing now appears on his album cover <em>Dear Mr. Bennett</em>.</p>
<p>John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the <em>Boston Globe</em> for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” The John Pizzarelli Trio is celebrated for its chemistry and versatility and brings warmth and swing to this celebration of Bennett’s enduring artistry.</p>

Local Event: John Pizzarelli Presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

John Pizzarelli Presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and vocalist celebrates iconic singer Tony Bennett
John Pizzarelli, the GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and...

Local Event: John Pizzarelli presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

John Pizzarelli presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

<h3>Celebrate <em>Día de Muertos</em> with internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY®- and Latin GRAMMY®–winning Mexican American artist Lila Downs in an unforgettable live performance.</h3>
<p>Downs shares the emotions of love, loss, reconnection, and joy that define Day of the Dead traditions on both sides of the border in a deeply personal selection of rancheras and original songs.</p>
<p><strong>Come dressed in imaginative Día de Muertos attire to share in the celebration!</strong></p>

Local Event: Lila Downs: Día de Muertos

Lila Downs: Día de Muertos

Celebrate Día de Muertos with internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY®- and Latin GRAMMY®–winning Mexican American artist Lila Downs...

<p>Two of France’s most beloved musicians mark three decades together with a repertoire from Renaissance inspirations to modernism. The first half of this memorable concert will conclude with the gorgeous Brahms Cello Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38, while the second half journeys through works by Schubert, Britten, Fauré, Debussy, Brahms, and more.</p>

Local Event: Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello & Alexandre Tharaud, piano

Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello & Alexandre Tharaud,...

Two of France’s most beloved musicians mark three decades together with a repertoire from Renaissance inspirations to...

Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello & Alexandre Tharaud, piano

<h3>Rising star Nemanja Radulović won the prestigious 2024 Opus Klassik Award for Concerto Recording of the Year for his acclaimed Beethoven Violin Concerto &amp; Kreutzer Sonata recording.</h3>
<p>Expect an evening of emotional intensity and rhythmic vitality as he performs with his boundary-breaking ensemble Double Sens.</p>

Local Event: Nemanja Radulović & Double Sens

Nemanja Radulović & Double Sens

Rising star Nemanja Radulović won the prestigious 2024 Opus Klassik Award for Concerto Recording of the Year for his acclaimed...

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Posting Activity

The Complete Brandenburgs: Part I

AUG

15

8:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

The Complete Brandenburgs: Part II

AUG

16

3:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

TAKEOVER @ The JAI with Paul Wiancko

AUG

16

7:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Remade/Reborn

AUG

19

8:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

SummerFest at 40!

AUG

21

7:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Old Country, New Age

AUG

23

4:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Schubertiade

AUG

26

8:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Brad Mehldau: Ride into the Sun

AUG

27

8:00 PM

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA

Conversation Across Centuries

AUG

28

8:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Rule of Three

AUG

29

8:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Fred Hersch Trio

SEP

20

5:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Linda May Han Oh Trio

SEP

25

5:30 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Joyce DiDonato & Time For Three: Emily–No Prisoner Be

OCT

8

7:30 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Poiesis Quartet

OCT

11

3:00 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

Gabriela Montero

OCT

23

7:30 PM

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, San Diego, CA

John Pizzarelli Presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”