Experience Confluence With La Jolla Symphony & Chorus
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus is opening its season in a big way, welcoming legendary sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash, for Confluence at Mandeville Auditorium.
Conducted by Music Director Sameer Patel, the program blends orchestral storytelling with a rare cross-cultural collaboration that’s not to be missed.
A Night of Orchestral Color
The evening opens with Dukas’ playful, brilliantly orchestrated The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, followed by Juhi Bansal’s Flash, Shimmer, Glow, Spark, a luminous piece inspired by bioluminescence that draws on influences from Hindustani music to progressive metal.
From there, Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 brings high-energy folk rhythms and virtuosic flair to the stage, setting the tone before the program closes with Samaagam, Amjad Ali Khan’s groundbreaking work for sarod and orchestra.
A Rare Meeting of Musical Traditions
Samaagam, whose name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning confluence, weaves Indian classical tradition and the symphonic world into one compelling whole.
“My sarod concerto Samaagam has been a very memorable journey with my sons Amaan and Ayaan,” said Khan.
“Samaagam, as we know, comes from a Sanskrit word meaning confluence or flowing together. The aim was to preserve the essence of both Indian and Western traditions so that they can flow into each other without artistic compromise.”
The performance is presented in partnership with UC San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute and Department of Music, with support from the Ravi Shankar Foundation.
Voices Behind the Collaboration
“We are honored to welcome one of the world’s greatest living musicians, Amjad Ali Khan, for a performance of his groundbreaking work for sarod and orchestra,” said Patel.
“This collaboration between the Khan family, LJS&C, UC San Diego, and our community partners proves that music can be a universal force for good, transcending all boundaries to unite our shared humanity.”
“Personally speaking, as an Indian-American musician, I am especially proud to share the beauty of my heritage with our orchestra and audience,” he added.
Shahrokh Yadegari, UC San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute Associate Director, echoed that sentiment: “Confluence is a rare opportunity to experience different musical traditions coming together in a truly beautiful way.”
“To have sarod master Amjad Ali Khan and his sons performing with the La Jolla Symphony at UC San Diego makes this an especially distinctive event, one that celebrates intercultural exchange, artistic dialogue, and the power of music to connect across traditions,” he said.
Bringing Great Music Within Reach
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus is known for offering professional-level performances at affordable prices, and this concert is no exception.
Free tickets are available for kids in grades K-12 through the TIX4KIDS program, and discounted student rush tickets are available for college students, making this a great pick for families and students alike.
See you there!
Between a world-renowned sarod master, a program built on cultural connection, and accessible ticket options for the whole family, Confluence is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout performances.
📆 Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 2 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 9390 Mandeville Ln, La Jolla
🎟️ Secure your spot here
ℹ️ Additional details can be found here
See you there, San Diego!
