La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Opens Season With French Masterworks
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus is kicking off their 2025-26 season with The French Connection, and if you’re into orchestral music that balances playful whimsy with genuine depth, this is a solid way to spend a weekend.
We’re talking Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Erik Satie’s Parade – two seminal French masterpieces of musical modernism that still sound fresh despite being over a century old.
A Season Called “Legends”
The opening concert sets the tone for what LJS&C is calling their “Legends” season – a lineup that puts living composers like Andrea Casarrubios, John Adams, and Betsy Jolas alongside timeless classical icons.
You’ll get everything from the whimsy of Satie and Frank Zappa to the emotional depths of Bach and Mahler across seven concerts. Each one functions as a chapter in a season-long story that only live music can tell.
Stephanie Weaver Yankee, Executive Director of LJS&C, frames it well: “With bold programming, accessible pricing, and a deep commitment to education, we’re proud to make world-class orchestral and choral music a vibrant part of our Southern California community.”
The Leadership Behind It
This marks Sameer Patel’s second year as music director and conductor. He joined the artistic leadership team last year and continues collaborating with music director and chorus conductor Arian Khaefi.
Patel’s approach is rooted in what he calls the ensembles’ “infinite curiosity and boundless joy for making music,” which translates to programming that feels intentional without being precious about it.
“From the newest voices of today to the timeless classics of centuries past, I believe the programs we are sharing will do what all great music has the potential to do: move us, inspire us, and provoke deep conversations within ourselves and with others,” Patel said.
Accessibility Actually Means Something Here
LJS&C is one of those rare institutions offering professional-level performances with a full orchestra and chorus at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. They’re expanding their free educational offerings and the Tix4Kids program, which gives free concert tickets to kids and their caregivers.
The partnership with UC San Diego continues too, with performances at Mandeville Auditorium and discounted student tickets.
The commitment to accessibility isn’t just marketing talk – it’s baked into how the organization operates. Early-bird subscription packages are available now, and individual concert tickets will go on sale later this year.
Seven Concerts Worth Considering
The full season includes Joy! A Messiah Celebration in November, Trinity in December, Breaking Boundaries with cellist Peter Ko in late January, Passion & Devotion in March, The Heavenly Life with soprano Andrea Zomorodian in May, and Echoes of the Divine in June. Each concert offers something distinct while maintaining thematic cohesion across the season.
See You There!
Start with The French Connection and see if the programming resonates – chances are you’ll want to come back for more throughout the season.
📆 The French Connection: November 1, 7:30 PM & November 2, 2 PM (Full season runs Nov 2025 – June 2026)📍 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla
🎟️ Early-bird subscriptions available now at ljsc.org | Box office: 858-534-4637 or boxoffice@ljsc.org
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
