La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest Celebrates the Milestones That Shaped Music

One of San Diego’s most iconic summer traditions returns as La Jolla Music Society presents the 39th annual SummerFest—four weeks of unforgettable performances at The Conrad in La Jolla.

This year’s festival is all about Milestones—the moments that shaped composers’ lives, chamber music history, and the future of the art form itself.

Music Director and acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan has curated a lineup that brings together world-class musicians, dynamic debuts, and bold interdisciplinary collaborations, all unfolding in an intimate, coastal setting.

A Season of Icons, Debuts, and Boundary-Pushing Performances

Expect big moments from returning favorites like Alan Gilbert, Tessa Lark, Yura Lee, Stefan Jackiw, Alisa Weilerstein, and Anthony McGill, alongside fresh SummerFest debuts from international talents like Yulianna Avdeeva, Vilde Frang, Steven Osborne, and Stephen Waarts.

Special guests this year include soprano legend Renée Fleming in her first SummerFest appearance, dancers Caleb Teicher and Nic Gareiss, and culinary star J. Kenji López-Alt, who’ll pair music with food in a groundbreaking new concert experience.

Plus, expect contemporary flair from composers Timo Andres, Matthew Aucoin, and Patrick Castillo during a “New York Takeover” at The JAI, and an evening curated by Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, whose vibrant voice is woven throughout the festival.

More Ways to Experience the Music

Midweek Masterworks return with intermission-free programs followed by a complimentary sparkling wine toast.
Synergy Series collaborations blend music, dance, storytelling, and even gastronomy into one-of-a-kind performances.
Special Performances like The Glass Menagerie and Tasting Notes offer fresh takes on beloved classics.

Whether you’re a classical music devotee or a curious first-timer, La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest 2025 invites you to explore the pivotal moments that made music history—and the ones that are shaping its future.