La Jolla Music Society Presents SummerFest

Step outside, feel the warmth, and open your ears to the music: It’s the season when outdoor concerts and classical music whirl about us with dignified glory.

For those who have a keen ear towards orchestra music and a refined taste in local arts, SummerFest returns for its 25th year this August. With more than 70 ensembles and artists performing in over 15 concerts, the series sweeps over La Jolla starting August 3rd and continues through August 26th.

Aside from exclusive ongoing concerts of classical music by local and nationally-acclaimed artists, a free opening night in the park is set for the community to take part in a sophisticated summer scene. The kick-off concert unveils at Ellen Browning Scripps Park for SummerFest Under the Stars on August 3rd. Grab someone you can cozy up with and enjoy a night of professional music in the park, a rare occurrence that only comes around once a year. Audiences can expect music from DVOŘÁK, Borodin, and Monti among others.

Following SummerFest Under the Stars, the official Opening Night affair begins on Friday, August 4th with the 25th Anniversary Celebration. At the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium, guests can enjoy sounds from Mozart and Bottesini with various soloists as well as the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra. Tickets for the opening night are $50 or $75, and include a festival overview with Musical Director Cho-Liand Lin, hosted by Marcus Overton and prelude at 6:30pm. Other notable performances throughout the season include Gil Shaham and Friends on August 6th, an Evening with Olga Kern on august 10th, and the Tokyo String Quartet on August 21st.

The best part of any classical music affair is of course, the chance to dress in your finest garb. On August 13th, you’ll get your opportunity as the SummerFest Gala hosts an extravagant night of music, starting with a Champagne Reception at 6pm. Following the concert at 8pm, guests will enjoy dinner with the artists and then a dance that extends through the night. For more information or to secure tickets contact Maija Talikka This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it at 858.459.3724, ext. 206 or mtalikka@ljms.org. Guests will be surrounded by works of art and views of the Pacific Ocean. This elegant black-tie fundraiser benefits the education, outreach, and artistic programs of La Jolla Music Society.

The nationally-recognized festival started in 1986, and has continued to warmly welcome over 650 renowned artists and ensembles, four talented artistic directors and nearly a quarter-million audience members over the past 25 years. This very special anniversary includes a month of free Community Engagement Activities, including coaching workshops, open rehearsals and encounters. The La Jolla Music Society remains as a place where you’ll be able to enjoyably expand your appreciation for classical music.

To view the entire 2011 SummerFest schedule of events, visit ljms.org/SummerFest2011.

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