La Jolla Music Society sets January schedule of amazing performances

In January 2025, La Jolla Music Society begins the new year with a slate of stunning performances.

The performance list includes: classical piano, violin, and clarinet; the San Diego debut of a renowned opera; the centennial of a pioneering modern dance company; a young jazz phenom; and the start of another thrilling Speaker Series.

As one of Southern California’s leading presenters of premier performing arts, LJMS contributes to San Diego’s cultural vitality year-round through a rich variety of presentations, including classical, jazz, global roots, contemporary music, and dance. LJMS’s home is The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center at 7600 Fay Ave.

San Diego Community Newspaper Group spoke with LJMS artistic director Leah Rosenthal to find out more about the organization and to get the lowdown on the society’s early programming in 2025.

“The Conrad has been open since 2019, six months before COVID,” Rosenthal said noting streaming events helped LJMS get through that difficult start-up time. “We have a rentals program that can be utilized and last year we had over 250 days when someone else used our facilities,” she said adding, “It’s quite busy throughout the year.”

LJMS also offers a diverse array of programs from dance to jazz and classical music, as well as having a speakers series. “We love it that all of the organizations using The Conrad are helping to make this space a cultural and inclusive hub,” said Rosenthal.

LJMS presents classical and jazz music in all its facets including hosting chamber music, recitals, and full jazz programs. “It runs the gamut,” Rosenthal said. “We have local music, art from around the world, and present dance and speakers. We have a kid’s series. We like to present the greatest music we can in whatever genre.”

Rosenthal added LJMS’ lineup in part “depends on who’s touring, and what big shows are coming out.” She pointed out that many performers are rising stars. The La Jolla venue also offers diverse performance spaces with access to food and refreshments.

Of January’s lineup at LJMS, Rosenthal noted one highlight is Albert Yu-Min Lin, an engineer, scientist, technologist, explorer, and associate research scientist of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC San Diego. He will be presenting in their speakers series. Since 2019, Lin has hosted the National Geographic series “Lost Cities with Albert Lin.” The show focuses on the use of drones and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) imaging to reveal otherwise hidden archaeological structures within and beneath modern cities and remote landscapes. “He travels around the world pushing the boundaries of what’s possible exploring geography and he’s just an incredible man,” Rosenthal noted.

“LJMS is a very special place,” concluded Rosenthal. “With only 500 seats, you can see performers in intimacy: It’s a rare perspective. And the acoustics are brilliant. The size gives an intimate warm-hug feeling while watching the art. People can’t wait for the next time they come back.”

Ticket packages, single tickets, and more information are available at the La Jolla Music Society box office, by phone at 858-459-3728, and at TheConrad.org.

JEREMY DENK, piano

Friday, Jan. 10 • 7:30 p.m.

Prelude lecture by Kristi Brown-Montesano • 6:30 p.m.

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists. Denk’s repertoire celebrates women composers from the 19th to 21st centuries along with works by Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms.

GUIDO SANT’ANNA, violin

Sunday, Jan. 12 • 3 p.m.

Musical Prelude by students from the Colburn School • 2 p.m.

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Born in 2005 in São Paulo, Brazil, Guido Sant’Anna received international acclaim in 2022 when he became the first South American violinist to win the prestigious Fritz Kreisler International Competition in Vienna.

FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES: Opera Suite in Concert

Sunday, Jan. 19 • 7 p.m.

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Terence Blanchard with The E-Collective, Turtle Island Quartet and Andrew F. Scott, Justin Austin, baritone, Adrienne Danrich, soprano.

This is a concert production that features excerpts from the opera performed by the composer, this incredible ensemble, and two guest singers, for the first time in San Diego.

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY

100th Anniversary

Saturday, Jan. 25 • 7:30 p.m.

Prelude interview by Molly Puryear • 6:30 p.m.

San Diego Civic Theatre. The most celebrated modern dance company in America exemplifies its founder’s timeless and uniquely American style of dance – one that has influenced generations of artists and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

JAHARI STAMPLEY TRIO

Sunday, Jan. 26 • 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The JAI. Jahari Stampley is emerging as a modern innovator in the jazz piano world. Having played many of the world’s most prestigious venues before the age of 22.

ANTHONY McGILL, clarinet, and EMANUEL AX, piano

Wednesday, Jan. 29 • 7:30 p.m.

Prelude lecture by Michael Gerdes • 6:30 p.m.

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Emanuel Ax, one of today’s most iconic pianists, joins Grammy Award-nominated Anthony McGill for an evening of unforgettable classical and contemporary masterpieces that showcase both their complementary pairing and individual talents.

ALBERT LIN: IN SEARCH OF LOST CITIES

Thursday, Jan. 30 • 7:30 p.m.

The Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Albert Lin is a professional explorer, blurring boundaries between humans and machines while uncovering the lost relics of our past. Despite losing his leg below the knee in 2016, Lin maintains a relentless quest into the farthest reaches of our planet – from Mongolia to the Mayan jungle.

Home of La Jolla Music Society – Opened in 2019 at 7600 Fay Ave. across from The Lot, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center is the permanent home of La Jolla Music Society holding world-class performances presented by LJMS and other local arts organizations. With four outstanding performance and activity spaces, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The JAI, The Atkinson Room, and the picturesque Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, The Conrad is an inviting campus for a wide variety of events. The venue is open for rental events including concerts, lectures, conferences, fundraising galas, weddings, and meetings. To see the rest of La Jolla Music Society’s 2024–25 season, visit theconrad.org.