La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest Turns 40 – And it’s Going to Be a Summer to Remember

La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) is celebrating the 40th anniversary of SummerFest, its annual chamber music festival. Running at The Conrad in La Jolla, this year’s theme is “Making History” – and with a lineup like this, that’s exactly what it’ll do.

Music Director and acclaimed concert pianist Inon Barnatan has curated four weeks of concerts spanning centuries, continents, and genres. With the festival marking its 40th year and the country turning 250, this season feels like a meaningful moment. It’s a chance to look back and forward at the same time.

An Extraordinary Lineup of World-Class Artists

The 2026 roster features some of the most respected names in classical music, with composer Paul Wiancko taking on the role of Composer-in-Residence and Thomas Adès joining as a featured artist. Here’s who’s taking the stage this summer:

• Karen Gomyo
• James Ehnes
• Alisa Weilerstein
• Jonathan Biss
• Randall Goosby
• Tessa Lark
• Yura Lee
• Stefan Jackiw
• Sterling Elliott
• Zoltán Fejérvári
• Jeremy Denk
• Stefan Dohr

Opening night kicks things off with a boundary-crossing Synergy Initiative event blending music, storytelling, and theatrical narration. It’s a fast-moving journey through history from medieval chant to modern revolution.

Four Weeks of Programming That Covers it All

Over four weeks, the concerts take us through Vienna at the turn of the 20th century, Eastern European folk traditions, the shadow of World War I, and the golden age of American music. There’s even a program dedicated to lost and rediscovered works. For example, the program includes Chopin’s recently uncovered waltz.

The returning Midweek Masterworks series keeps Wednesday evenings lively with focused, intermission-less programs. Afterward, there’s a complimentary sparkling wine toast in the courtyard.

Jazz Nights Worth Planning Your Week Around

SummerFest isn’t strictly classical – two standout jazz events are on the calendar this year:

• Sullivan Fortner Trio – Thursday, August 13 – The JAI: Gilmore Jazz Pianist Award-winner Sullivan Fortner brings his trio to The JAI for two electrifying sets at 5:30 and 8 PM.
• Brad Mehldau: Ride into the Sun – Thursday, August 27 – Balboa Theatre: A genre-crossing homage to the music of Elliott Smith, featuring Chris Thile, Blake Mills, Matt Chamberlain, and John Davis, backed by the 17-piece USC Thornton Chamber Virtuosi.

Both nights sit at the intersection of jazz, indie folk, and orchestral music. As a result, either one would make for a genuinely memorable evening out.

Bach, a Big Birthday, and a Gala to Match

The complete Brandenburg Concertos – led by Aisslinn Nosky of the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston – spread across two concerts on August 15 and 16. Not to be missed.

On August 21, “SummerFest at 40!” brings past, present, and future together on one stage, including a world premiere commission and the return of former Music Director Cho-Liang Lin.

The 40th Anniversary Gala on August 22 takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, with Lise Wilson and Steve Strauss serving as Gala Chairs.

See you there!

SummerFest is one of San Diego’s great summer traditions, and the 40th edition looks like its most ambitious yet. We’ll see you at The Conrad.

📆 Friday, July 31 – Saturday, August 29, 2026
📍 Multiple Venues
🎟️ View ticket options here | On sale May 4, 2026
ℹ️ Visit their website here for more details

See you there, San Diego!