“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Since 1988, Mainly Mozart has brought the San Diego community together to experience the finest in orchestral music, intimate concert experiences, and extraordinary music education for young people. Using the genius of Mozart as inspiration, Mainly Mozart brings together world-class musicians from across North America for classical and innovative musical programs. Through their youth orchestra, Mainly Mozart ensures the preservation and appreciation of classical music by giving young musicians the opportunity to learn and perform together. Joyce Gattas is Vice Chair of the Board of Mainly Mozart San Diego.
#1 Joyce Gattas grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was a cheerleader at the University of New Mexico.
#2 My oldest brother lived with MS for most of his adult life, and through it, taught me more about courage and grace than anyone else I have known. Even after he became blind and quadriplegic, he remained positive and deeply curious about the world. His resilience, quiet strength, and outlook on life continue to shape the way I face challenges and see what truly matters.
#3 I dealt Blackjack at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe.
#4 Italy / Egypt / Turkey are my favorite places to travel.
#5 Historical fiction, especially with female protagonists, is my favorite: “The Rose Code”, “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory”, “The Diamond Eye”, “Lilac Girls”, “Lessons in Chemistry”, “The Personal Librarian”.
#6 Buddy was our 18-year-old dog who brought us immeasurable joy. He was a loving and loyal companion.
#7 Joyce Gattas seen firsthand how education and the arts can be truly life-changing. Giving back allows me to share my time, resources, and experiences so others can have access to the same transformative opportunities.
#8 During Covid, all of the arts shut down, but Mainly Mozart found innovative ways to continue allowing musicians to play for live audiences. I decided I wanted to be more actively involved in the organization that was so proactive in keeping musicians performing and audiences experiencing live music.
#9 The Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival is the largest gathering of Concertmasters and Principal Players in the United States, boasting top level players from the world’s greatest orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic and dozens more.
#10 Proceeds from The Mainly Mozart Gala fuel every aspect of our mission, from bringing the world’s finest musicians to San Diego for the 2026 Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival (June 17–27, 2026) to inspiring and educating 350 young musicians through the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra.
“The Mainly Mozart Gala”
Where culinary & musical genius meet
Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Westgate Hotel in Downtown San Diego
