Music has the extraordinary ability to tell stories that resonate deeply within us. A symphonic masterpiece can transport us to far off lands, evoke cherished memories, or even reveal truths about ourselves that words cannot express. A single melody can evoke the joy of a sunrise, the depth of human longing, or the triumph of overcoming great odds. In short, music invites us to imagine and feel deeply.
This season, our repertoire is rich with storytelling, spanning centuries and genres. From the stirring drama of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle to the evocative fairytale lands of Debussy’s The Joyful Isle and Ravel’s The Child and the Magical Spells, from the power and majesty of Holst’s The Planets to Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition, every piece is a narrative waiting to be discovered.
In addition to favorite artists that you’ve heard in San Diego before, we’ll collaborate with 14 artists making their San Diego Symphony debut, and the orchestra will perform 11 works never before played by the orchestra, including John Adams’ Century Rolls, a piano concerto inspired by player pianos; Lera Auerbach’s Icarus, inspired by the myth of the winged boy who dared to fly too close to the sun; and Adam Schoenberg’s Cool Cat, a playful and celebratory work inspired by the extraordinary life of P-22, the mountain lion that captured the heart of Los Angeles and beyond.
Through these performances, we hope to connect with you in profound ways, creating shared experiences that linger long after the final note has been played. Music reminds us that, no matter our differences, we all share a common humanity—a truth that becomes all the more poignant when we gather to listen together.
