Experience “Transmigration” – A Journey Through American History Through Music
The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus is bringing history to life through sound with “Transmigration,” a moving concert at Mandeville Auditorium.
Led by guest conductor Michael Gerdes and featuring the San Diego Children’s Choir, this powerful program explores American history through music, reflecting on moments of resilience, transformation, and remembrance.
A Musical Exploration of Change and Legacy
The evening begins with METACOSMOS, an ethereal piece by Icelandic composer and UC San Diego PhD graduate Anna Thorvaldsdottir, followed by George Walker’s Lyric for Strings—a poignant and meditative orchestral work.
One of the most moving pieces of the program is Margaret Bonds’ The Montgomery Variations, which was composed in response to the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, a pivotal and tragic event in the civil rights movement.
The night will conclude with John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls, marking its San Diego premiere. This Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning composition was created in response to the September 11 attacks, blending music with recorded voices to evoke themes of memory, loss, and resilience.
A Community-Driven Performance
“Transmigration is one of the most powerful and important works of the 21st century,” says Music Director and Chorus Conductor Arian Khaefi. “It’s more than music—it’s a meditation on the past and how we move forward together.”
Want a sneak peek? The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus will open its doors for a family-friendly dress rehearsal on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM.
See you there!
📅 Saturday, March 15 | 7:30 PM
📅 Sunday, March 16 | 2 PM
📍 9390 Mandeville Ln, La Jolla
🎟️ Get your tickets here
See you there, San Diego!
