Art Of Élan To Launch Season 13

Twelve years ago, Art of Elan was founded with a clear mission: to pioneer unique chamber music events and bring the excitement of classical music to diverse audiences. After nearly 100 public concerts, 19 world premieres of commissioned works and 21 different venues, they have achieved that and more.

As they move into their second decade with a new look, the focus and breadth of impact has expanded significantly. Founder Kate Hatmaker explained that the organization’s three-pronged approach now is to act as “arts innovators, music educators and community builders.”

To that end, they have refreshed their logo and brand and announced a robust Season 13 under the umbrella of “Hear & Now” that includes a groundbreaking 3-year musical initiative, increased community engagement, new strategic partnerships and a continued commitment to commissioning new work.

“Hear & Now” focuses on contemporary culture and the importance of cultural context in uniting an increasingly diverse, complex, and changing world through music. “As artists and musicians, we don’t exist in a vacuum. This season explores where we came from and how it helps illuminate where we are today,” Hatmaker explained.

“True to our roots, we remain committed to our signature programing at The San Diego Museum of Art while looking at adventurous and out-of-the-box venues for additional opportunities to share our musical outlook,” Hatmaker explained.

The timeless music of J. S. Bach weaves in and out of a season that highlights music from a wide variety of composers and time periods, including several San Diego premieres. The San Diego Museum of Art concert series includes two free pop-up performances in addition to three gallery concerts that showcase the music of Missy Mazzoli, Darius Milhaud, Claude Debussy, and J. S. Bach, among others.

The new 3-year BaCH Initiative (Beyond a Concert Hall) brings the timeless music of J. S. Bach to people in unusual places. This multi-year project is designed to “bring Bach to the people” and share the beauty of his compositions in a variety of more adventurous venues. Hatmaker was inspired by the baroque-era composer for his work’s musical complexities and stylistic innovations, as well as the influence he’s had on so many other composers and artists.

“Hear & Now” is about ‘hearing’ things in a more mindful way, no matter where you might be at the moment,” said Hatmaker. “I believe it’s especially important in this current climate to take a pause each day and realize how much beauty is literally all around us. The music of Bach is perfect for this kind of exercise and we’re excited to see how many different places in the region we can explore through his music.”

The BaCH Initiative kicks off in the rotunda of The San Diego Museum of Art on November 19 and will include performances and collaborations with La Jolla Music Society, Mira Mesa High School, and the Centro de Artes Musicales in Tijuana. Hatmaker is currently researching additional outdoor venues that might include parks, college campuses, breweries, and even malls.

See you there!