Experience Best-in-Class Music, Opera, Dance and More at One of The More Intimate Venues In La Jolla
Celebrate the season with the La Jolla Music Society at their exquisite venue, The Conrad! This magnificent performing arts center is the permanent home of La Jolla Music Society and is the heart of cultural, arts education and community events in La Jolla. Over the next few months, there is a lot you’ll want to check out. There will be performances by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott, along with the return of Nat Geo Live! Speaker Series and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Here’s a sneak peek at the history of the La Jolla Music Society and what’s in store this winter season.
Founded during World War II by Nikolai Sokoloff, the Musical Arts Society of La Jolla has deep roots in classical music. Sokoloff, a former Cleveland Orchestra conductor, championed equal pay for women and brought music into public schools.
In 1968, the group became the La Jolla Chamber Music Society, focused on showcasing world-class musicians and performances.
Its first season featured soloists and the La Jolla Chamber Orchestra, laying the foundation for a stellar classical reputation. Over the years, the society expanded to include dance and jazz, eventually becoming today’s La Jolla Music Society.
Since then, LJMS has also become a key influencer within its community. In line with the values of its original founder, LJMS actively serves more than 10,000 people through their extensive learning and engagement programs. From feature performances by the music program at Mission Bay High School to having their own musicians visit and work with students at various San Diego public schools.
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One of LJMS’s most notable contributions to the community is SummerFest.
Launched by Artistic Director Heiichiro Ohyama in 1986, SummerFest is now one of the world’s top performing arts festivals.
Held every August, it showcases top local and international artists in a celebration of music, talent, and creative expression.
In 2019, LJMS parted ways with the Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego to open The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, featuring four state-of-the-art performance and activity spaces: The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The JAI, The Atkinson Room and the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. Simply known as The Conrad, the venue was meticulously designed in collaboration with Epstein Joslin Architects, Inc. and Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics, the latter having worked on LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. All their detailed expertise is apparent in The Conrad’s crown jewel–the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, which encapsulates its audience in an all-immersive audio and visual experience.
There’s no better time than now to check it out because this year, La Jolla Music Society is offering a robust season. It includes 62 events featuring 47 diverse artists and speakers. Celebrate milestones like renowned violinist Midori’s 40th Anniversary and the farewell tour of the Emerson String Quartet.
Expand your horizons with co-productions by the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Opera along with the return of the Nat Geo Live! Speaker Series.
Love to dance? Don’t miss “Star Dust from Bach to Bowie” by Complexions and other modern companies like Alvin Ailey. Also catch the highly anticipated recital by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott, held at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
For more information on upcoming events and other offerings from La Jolla Music Society at The Conrad, visit www.theconrad.org!
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
7600 Fay Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.459.3728
