For the 39th year, SummerFest is returning to La Jolla from July 25 to August 23. Curated by Music Director and internationally acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan, the annual festival brings the best classical musicians from around the world to The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in downtown La Jolla for four weeks of innovative programming with something for everyone.
SummerFest 2025 has the theme of “Milestones,” with each concert highlighting a key turning point or life stage, illuminating the spark of youthful experimentation, the mid-career breakthroughs that redefined boundaries, and the poignant final reflections that cemented legendary legacies.
Highlights of the festival will include opera superstar Renée Fleming in her SummerFest debut, percussive dancers Caleb Teicher and Nic Gareiss, and celebrity chef and food writer J. Kenji López-Alt in a concert blending classical music and the preparation of gourmet food. A rare concert performance of Philip Glass’ Complete Piano Études will feature an extraordinary roster of ten pianists on stage. And GRAMMY®-winning jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will present a program, “Book of Ayres,” that blends early music with jazz and other musical styles.
On Wednesdays, “Midweek Masterworks” features some of chamber music’s best-loved works in shorter intermission-less concerts, after which patrons are invited to share a complimentary glass of sparkling wine in the courtyard.
More than 50 free Learning and Engagement events are also scheduled throughout the festival, exploring the stories behind the music and getting to know the artists better. Single tickets and festival packages are now on sale, including a discounted SummerFest Flex Package of any six concerts or more.
For information and tickets visit www.TheConrad.org/SummerFest.
