Organization Background

The La Jolla Music Society is heir to a distinguished tradition reaching back to the Musical Arts Society of La Jolla founded in 1941 by Nikolai Sokoloff - former conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra. In 1968, the present La Jolla Chamber Music Society was established, with the mission of presenting the finest classical music and musicians in the world. In its first seasons the Society sponsored the La Jolla Chamber Orchestra and presented a few soloists; it now has evolved as the major presenter of classical music in San Diego County and a leading presenter in the West.

Since 1968, the Society's reputation has been founded on its annual Revelle Series, presented in an intimate 492-seat facility, and designed for a knowledgeable, discriminating audience. Within the past twelve years, the Society has developed five distinctive series designed to serve the varied and growing musical needs of one of America's largest cities.

As demographics in San Diego have changed the Society has continued to respond by presenting dance and jazz in addition to traditional classical offerings. Utilizing the 2500-seat Copley Symphony Hall for large orchestras, dance ensembles and jazz concerts ensures a greater opportunity for more San Diegans to enjoy these world-class artists. To express this expanded programming La Jolla Chamber Music Society became La Jolla Music Society in 2002. In addition, the Society combined the Revelle and Piano Series, and included all concerts in one Season 35 brochure rather than creating a distinct brochure for each individual series.

La Jolla Music Society’s annual events are an important part of San Diego’s cultural life; they continue to reflect the careful planning and fiscal conservatism, combined with imaginative and innovative programming, which have formed the basis of La Jolla Music Society’s success.  As we look forward to our 40th year, the Society is poised to experience continued growth under President and Artistic Director Christopher Beach.

Vision of La Jolla Music Society

San Diego's preeminent presenter of the performing arts and producer of the acclaimed SummerFest chamber music festival enhances the understanding and appreciation of the performing arts through world-class performances and enriching education and outreach programs.

Mission

To enhance the vitality and deepen the cultural life of San Diego by presenting and producing a dynamic range of performing arts for our increasingly diverse community.