For nearly four decades, Mainly Mozart’s Festival has stood as one of San Diego’s most prestigious cultural traditions: a harmony of artistic excellence, philanthropy, and dazzling experiences that draw music lovers together.
Returning June 17–27, the 38th annual Festival once again transforms La Jolla into the center of the classical music world. Recognized as the largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players in North America, Mainly Mozart assembles more than 70 renowned musicians from the world’s leading orchestras to form one extraordinary ensemble for just six concerts.
Leading musicians from the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and dozens more, travel to San Diego to perform together under the baton of Maestro Michael Francis, who returns for his 12th season as Music Director. “It is like a dream orchestra, musicians at the very top of their game coming together to make music at the highest level,” says Francis, who also helms the Florida Orchestra and Europe’s Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz. “There is a sense of spontaneity and electricity because these artists are not just colleagues, but leaders of their own orchestras.”
The 2026 season features six performances at two iconic venues: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater. Programming includes Beethoven’s monumental Fifth Symphony, Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Mendelssohn’s “Italian,” and acclaimed guest soloists including violinist James Ehnes, cellist Robert DeMaine, and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott.
Yet beyond the performances themselves, Mainly Mozart has become equally known for the elegant social and philanthropic experiences surrounding the Festival. Donor and sponsor events have evolved into some of the most anticipated gatherings of San Diego’s summer season, bringing together civic leaders, arts supporters, and philanthropists in intimate settings to celebrate with musicians.
Patrons receive invitations to exclusive dinners, artist salons, hosted celebrations, donor lounges, and behind-the-scenes gatherings. One of the Festival’s most distinctive opportunities allows arts lovers to sponsor an individual musician, creating a personal and lasting connection between patron and performer. “My sponsors and I have become family” says Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster of Kansas City Symphony, and longtime Mainly Mozart Festival musician. Musicians will celebrate with their sponsors at an exclusive dinner at Piatti the evening before Opening Night and later at the beloved artist party hosted by Founding CEO Nancy Laturno at her residence.
At The Conrad, audiences are invited to Mozart-themed pre-concert talks and intimate musical experiences prior to each of the five performances beginning June 17 (led by audience favorite, pianist Anton Nel). The closing night concert will bring the Epstein Family Amphitheater to life on June 27, offering an unforgettable night of music beneath the stars. More than simply a concert series, Mainly Mozart has become one of San Diego’s defining cultural gems. As audiences gather once again this summer, Mainly Mozart promises the rare opportunity to experience classical music at its highest level in one of America’s most beautiful coastal cities.
For tickets or to learn about sponsorship opportunities and patron events, please visit www.mainlymozart.org.
