Mainly Mozart’s “Savor Every Note” Chamber Music Series returns this season with a lineup of intimate concerts featuring principal musicians from major national orchestras. Presented at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, the series blends masterful chamber performances with an atmosphere shaped by fine wine, curated charcuterie, chocolates, and close proximity to the artists. It has quickly become one of San Diego’s most distinctive ways to experience classical music.
The 2026 season opens in January with an ensemble of National Symphony Orchestra principals, led by concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef, joined by cellist Loewi Lin and bassoonist Erich Heckscher. Their program offers a vivid cross-section of chamber repertoire: François’ Trio in F Major, Halvorsen’s powerful Passacaglia for Violin and Cello, the lyrical Meditation from Thaïs, Saint-Saëns’ evocative Danse Macabre, Astor Piazzolla’s propulsive Tango Etude No. 3, and Mozart’s charming Sonata for Bassoon and Cello. Presented on January 10 and 11, the weekend showcases the diversity of colors and textures possible with a trio of top-tier musicians, each playing at the highest level.
In February, attention shifts to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, represented by concertmaster Nathan Cole, principal violist Steve Ansell, and principal cellist Blaise Dejardin. Their program pairs Mozart’s expansive Divertimento in E-Flat, K. 563, one of the most admired works for string trio, with Dohnányi’s Serenade in C, a piece that blends classical craftsmanship with Romantic warmth. Together, the works offer a full portrait of the string trio as a genre, revealing its ability to be both architecturally precise and emotionally direct.
The series pauses in March for the annual Mainly Mozart Gala, held March 14 at The Westgate Hotel. This year’s gala, A Taste of Italy, features top local chefs and performances by Mainly Mozart artists. The event is chaired by Honorary Chair Joann Clark and has become a highlight of San Diego’s cultural calendar.
April brings musicians from the New York Philharmonic, with concertmaster Frank Huang and principal violist Cynthia Phelps performing three works that spotlight the expressive possibilities of the violin and viola duo. Their program includes Mozart’s radiant Duo in G Major, Martinů’s spirited Three Madrigals, and Handel’s monumental Passacaglia. Heard in the clarity of the Fairbanks Ranch setting, these pieces reveal the conversational and virtuosic nature of duo writing, offering a finale that is both intimate and grand in its artistry.
A hallmark of the series is its fully inclusive format. Every ticket includes a champagne welcome, charcuterie at each table, three curated wine pours during the performance, and post-concert coffees and artisan chocolates. The experience is designed to feel effortless for attendees. There are no add-ons, surcharges, or tiers of access beyond choosing a seating level. The goal is to allow audiences to relax into an evening where the culinary and musical elements are already thoughtfully arranged.
With leading artists from Washington, Boston, and New York featured throughout the season, Mainly Mozart continues to shape a chamber music experience that is both refined and welcoming, inviting audiences to slow down and truly savor every note.
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