As the summer season approaches, music lovers from all over the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of one of the most highly acclaimed chamber music festivals in the United States – SummerFest. Held annually in the picturesque coastal town of La Jolla, California, SummerFest brings together over 80 world-class artists and ensembles for a month-long celebration of classical music. This year’s festival, running from August 5 to 28, promises to be a spectacular event with an exciting lineup of performances and events. In this article, we will take a closer look at SummerFest 2015 and explore the various concerts and programs that make it a must-attend event for any music enthusiast.
The History of SummerFest
SummerFest was founded in 1986 by violinist and conductor, Heiichiro Ohyama, and has since become a staple in the cultural landscape of San Diego County. The festival is organized by the La Jolla Music Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting world-class performances in the region. Over the years, SummerFest has gained international recognition for its exceptional programming and has attracted some of the most renowned musicians and ensembles from around the globe.
The Artistic Director: Cho-Liang Lin
One of the key factors contributing to the success of SummerFest is its artistic director, Cho-Liang Lin. Born in Taiwan, Lin is an internationally acclaimed violinist who has performed with major orchestras and conductors worldwide. He has been the music director of SummerFest since 2001 and has brought his unique vision and expertise to the festival, making it one of the most prestigious chamber music events in the country.
The 2015 Lineup
This year’s SummerFest features an impressive lineup of concerts and events, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and genres. From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, there is something for every music lover at this festival. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights of SummerFest 2015.
SummerFest Under the Stars: Free Outdoor Concert
The festival kicks off with a free outdoor concert on August 5 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy an evening of music in a beautiful setting. The concert will feature performances by the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Cho-Liang Lin, and will include works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Gershwin.
Viennese Masters
On August 8, the festival presents “Viennese Masters” at the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium. This concert pays tribute to some of the greatest composers from Vienna, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The program will be performed by renowned pianist, Inon Barnatan, and the Escher String Quartet.
In Memory
The following day, on August 9, the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium will host “In Memory,” a special concert dedicated to the memory of composer and conductor, Pierre Boulez. The program will feature works by Boulez, as well as pieces by Stravinsky and Debussy, performed by members of the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra.
Baroque Virtuosi
On August 11, the festival presents “Baroque Virtuosi,” a concert featuring some of the most talented baroque musicians in the world. Led by violinist and conductor, Aisslinn Nosky, the program will include works by Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach, among others.
An Evening with Steven Schick
One of the most highly anticipated events of SummerFest 2015 is “An Evening with Steven Schick” on August 12. Schick, a renowned percussionist and conductor, will showcase his virtuosity in a solo performance featuring works by John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, and Steve Reich.
Three Great Quintets
On August 14, the festival presents “Three Great Quintets,” featuring three of the most celebrated chamber music ensembles – the Miró Quartet, the Pacifica Quartet, and the Calder Quartet. This concert will highlight the unique sound and style of each group as they perform quintets by Mozart, Dvořák, and Brahms.
Beethoven’s Time Machine
Experience the evolution of Beethoven’s music in “Beethoven’s Time Machine” on August 16. Led by pianist and conductor, Jeffrey Kahane, this concert will feature works from different periods of Beethoven’s career, including his early sonatas and his famous “Moonlight Sonata.”
Russian Masters
On August 18, the festival presents “Russian Masters,” a concert showcasing the works of some of the greatest Russian composers, such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich. The program will be performed by the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Cho-Liang Lin, and will feature violinist, Augustin Hadelich.
An Evening with Time for Three
On August 19, the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium will host “An Evening with Time for Three,” a dynamic trio known for their fusion of classical, jazz, and pop music. This concert promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience, as Time for Three brings their high-energy performances to SummerFest.
Shostakovich I, II, and III
From August 21 to 23, the festival presents “Shostakovich I, II, and III,” a three-part series featuring the complete string quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich. These powerful and emotionally charged works will be performed by the renowned Emerson String Quartet, who have been praised for their interpretation of Shostakovich’s music.
Music of Our Time
On August 25, the festival presents “Music of Our Time,” a concert featuring contemporary works by living composers. Led by conductor, David Robertson, this program will include pieces by John Adams, Pierre Boulez, and Esa-Pekka Salonen, among others.
An Evening with Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu
On August 26, pianist Peter Serkin and cellist Julia Hsu take the stage for “An Evening with Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu.” This concert will feature works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, showcasing the incredible talent and chemistry between these two musicians.
SummerFest Finale
The festival comes to a grand finale on August 28 with “SummerFest Finale,” a concert featuring the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Cho-Liang Lin. The program will include works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn, and will be a fitting end to a month-long celebration of chamber music.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for SummerFest 2015 can be purchased through the La Jolla Music Society’s website or by calling their box office. Prices range from $45 to $85 depending on the event and seating section. In addition to individual tickets, the festival also offers package deals and discounts for students and seniors. For more information about the festival, including the full schedule and artist bios, visit the La Jolla Music Society’s website.
Conclusion
SummerFest 2015 promises an unforgettable experience for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of chamber music. With an impressive lineup of world-class artists and an exciting program of performances, this festival is a must-attend event for music lovers from all over the world. So mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the enchanting sounds of SummerFest in beautiful La Jolla, California.
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