By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Art of Elan, San Diego’s pioneering chamber music organization, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with “Collective Wisdom,” a season-long exploration of the artists, partnerships, audiences and creative collaborations that have shaped the organization’s first two decades.
The 2026 and 2027 season brings together internationally acclaimed artists, world premiere commissions, community-centered performances and multidisciplinary collaborations that reflect Art of Elan’s enduring commitment to curiosity, connection and artistic innovation.
“Collective Wisdom is both a celebration and an invitation,” said Kate Hatmaker, executive and artistic director of Art of Elan. “Our organization thrives because of the artists, audiences, partners, students, donors and collaborators who believe in the power of music to bring people together. This season reflects the collective wisdom and generosity of spirit that have sustained us, while also embracing new ideas and artistic voices that will shape our future.”
The season includes the return of Art of Elan’s popular free Midday Music concert series at the San Diego Central Library, a special anniversary desert performance of Olivier Messiaen’s monumental “From the Canyons to the Stars” under the night sky of Anza Borrego, collaborations with Mingei International Museum, ArtPower at UC San Diego, Union Hall Gallery and La Jolla Music Society, as well as the organization’s signature Young Artists in Harmony mentorship program for young composers at A Reason to Survive.
Highlights include performances by acclaimed string quartet Brooklyn Rider, Grammy Award-winning composer Caroline Shaw, innovative folk-pop duo Ringdown, guest ensemble Wind Sync, world premiere commissions by Jory Herman, Eunike Tanzil and Kian Ravaei, and a culminating all-day Collective Wisdom Festival at Mingei International Museum featuring many of the artists and organizations that have helped define Art of Elan.
Since its founding in 2007, Art of Elan has reimagined what a chamber music organization can be, creating immersive performances in museums, libraries, theaters, galleries, outdoor spaces and unconventional venues throughout San Diego County. This season honors that legacy while looking boldly toward the future.
For more information on performances, visit artofelan.org.
