Spreckels Organ Society, the non-profit organization that curates concerts and performances in the heart of Balboa Park, announced its 35th annual San Diego International Summer Organ Festival line-up.

Set in the beautiful backdrop of Balboa Park’s open-air venue, these special 90-minute concerts are presented for free on Monday evenings at 7:30PM, through Sept. 4.

The lineup brings world-class musical artists for San Diegans and visitors to enjoy the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world and perfect summer evenings in Balboa Park!

An explosion of styles, sounds, colors, and cultures

The Society is proud to present an explosion of styles, sounds, colors, and cultures in the heart of Balboa Park.

From a Brass Octet and Organ to a Not-So-Silent Movie Night, a Renaissance Stereophonic Stravaganza inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice to the greatest hits of Classic Rock performed by the high-energy Pavilion Rock Band, there is something for every music lover.

“With such a large variety, our focus is on serving the community,” said Raúl Prieto Ramirez, San Diego Civic Organist and Artistic Director for the Spreckels Organ Society. “Nowhere else can a family take their kids to gain exposure to the purest of art forms, broaden their musical awareness, expand their musical joy, learn about new repertoires, and hear new and old styles far from mainstream.”

Featuring Texu Kim’s Unique Musical Fusion

The Society is also proud to present the first Festival Featured Guest Composer, Korean-born Texu Kim.

Texu’s compositional work combines the rich cultural heritage of South Korea with the most advanced musical languages and techniques from our time. He manages to merge those elements in an exciting and approachable way for a wide audience.

Two of his musical compositions will be featured during this 2023 festival: Pahdo – written in 2018 – will be performed by the San Diego Civic Organist during his July 10 concert, and Mir (miɾɯ) – a new commissioned work for this festival – will be premiered during the August 14 concert by a Brass Octet and Organ.

Those attending the August 14 concert will be the first ever to experience this new music composition. “It’s music that never existed before, so don´t miss out!” said Ramirez. 2023

San Diego International Summer Organ Festival Schedule

Monday, July 3 at 7:30PM

A Patriotic Salute: American Song Book and Patriotic Marches with Organist Robert York.

Monday, July 10 at 7:30PM

Ravel´s Bolero on the Spreckels Organ with Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Artistic Director & San Diego Civic Organist.

Monday, July 17 at 7:30PM

Bizet’s Carmen Suite & other Opera Overtures with Peter Richard Conte, organist at the largest Musical Instrument in the World.

Monday, July 24 at 7:30PM

Bach’s Musical Universe with Nicole Simental, first prize Sursa & Moscow International Organ Competitions

Monday, July 31 at 7:30PM

Dancing under the Stars: Music on dances with Organist Emma Whitten and soprano Maria Miller.

Monday, Aug. 7 at 7:30PM

Music in Movies: “Stars Wars,” “Interstellar,” “Frozen,” “Jurassic Park” with Martin Ellis and some surprises as well.

Monday, Aug. 14 at 7:30PM

Brass and Organ Stereophonic Stravaganza: Eight Brass Musicians from San Diego Symphony will join Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Artistic Director & San Diego Civic Organist, on a unique stereophonic sound experience inspired by The Great Renaissance tradition from Venice.

Raúl Prieto Ramírez, organ | Kyle Covington, trombone | Darby Hinshaw, French horn | Jonah Levy, trumpet | Aaron McCalla, tuba | Kyle Mendiguchia, trombone | Ray Nowak, trumpet | Tricia Skye, French horn | Christopher Smith, trumpet | Jaebon Hwang, organ (when Ramírez conducts the orchestra)

Monday, Aug. 21 at 7:30PM

From Nôtre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with Johann Vexo, Nôtre-Dame Cathedral organist.

Monday, Aug. 28 at 7:30PM

**Silent Movie Night**
Not-so-Silent Movie Night: Harold Lloyd’s “The Freshman” with renown accompanist Clark Wilson.

Monday, Sept. 4 at 7:30PM

Labor Day Classic Rock Concert.

The largest open-air musical instrument in the world, joined by six of the most talented local rock musicians, taking on a Tina Turner Tribute, plus some of the best rock classics by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Blondie, Pink Floyd and more.

Richard “Tbone” Larson, drums | Harley Magsino, bass guitar | Ben Zinn, guitar | Chloe Lou, vocals | Lauren Leigh, vocals | William Fleming, vocals/trombone | Raúl Prieto Ramírez, organ

See you there

In addition to the special summer performances, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion also hosts weekly concerts each Sunday at 2PM.

Through the generosity of the City of San Diego, the weekly Spreckels Organ Society concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion are presented at no charge in accordance with the 1915 Deed of Gift whereby the brothers John and Adolph Spreckels gave the organ and pavilion to the city of San Diego. Donations are always accepted.

For more information about the Spreckels Organ Society, visit here.

See you there, San Diego!