San Diego Symphony’s return home, women composers share the spotlight and local organizations shine
San Diego’s already lively classical music scene ought to be even more vibrant in 2023. The year ahead is brimming with premieres, unearthed gems, brilliant musicians and works by female and male composers alike. With the COVID-19 pandemic caveat always in mind, 2023 should offer aural excellence in a wide range of styles and a variety of venues.
In June, the amphitheater will host Mainly Mozart’s All-Star Orchestra Festival, following its performances at Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park. If music director Michael Francis and the orchestra are as sublime as they were last year, they should not be missed.Art of Elan’s Kate Hatmaker has for years explored the intersectionality of visual art and music by collaborating with various museums. This season’s theme is creative expression as an agent of change.
La Jolla Music Society, whose home is at The Conrad, will present an array of high-profile musicians this season. Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and international cello star Alisa Weilerstein will present unique programs during the society’s ProtoStar Innovative Series. La Jolla Symphony & Chorus has long included works by women composers. Steven Schick, who is now the nonprofit’s music director emeritus, will conduct in February, which should be a treat. Through the season, the symphony has been featuring guest conductors . In May, San Diego Youth Symphony Artistic Director Sameer Patel will guest-conduct a La Jolla Symphony concert highlighting compositions by British composer Anna Clyne.