Pianist Yuja Wang and jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Photo courtesy of La Jolla Music Society
By Gina Yarbrough
La Jolla, CA–La Jolla Music Society has announced the organization’s 58th annual 2026-27 Winter Season, featuring an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talent, celebrated speakers, and innovative dance companies scheduled to perform throughout San Diego.
The announcement was unveiled by La Jolla Music Society Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal.
The new season will showcase a diverse array of performers spanning classical music, jazz, dance, and multidisciplinary arts. Among the season’s headliners are renowned vocalist Audra McDonald, violinist Hilary Hahn, pianist Yuja Wang, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, jazz pianist Hiromi, pianist Emanuel Ax, soprano Nadine Sierra, conductor William Christie, Japanese taiko ensemble KODO, pianist Seong-Jin Cho, and the groundbreaking Kronos Quartet.
La Jolla Music Society’s annual Jazz Mini Festival returns with a dynamic roster that includes pianist and composer Jason Moran and the Harlem Hellfighters, the all-female jazz supergroup Artemis, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. The festival, first launched in 2024, will again feature panel discussions, lectures, and educational programs designed to engage audiences beyond the concert stage.
The popular Jazz @ The JAI series also returns, bringing acclaimed artists to the intimate performance venue. Featured performers include the Fred Hersch Trio, the Linda May Han Oh Trio, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet, the Tyshawn Sorey Trio, vocalist Kurt Elling with pianist Christian Sands, and Lakecia Benjamin.
Dance enthusiasts can look forward to the return of Mark Morris Dance Group, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Black Grace. The season will also welcome the San Diego debut of Italy’s NoGravity Theatre, known for its visually stunning and gravity-defying productions.
The Speaker Series will feature four events, including two presentations from Nat Geo Live and two installments of the Changemaker Series. Family audiences will have opportunities to enjoy the ConRAD Kids Series, featuring performances by Manual Cinema, pianist Derek Wang, and musician Elena Moon Park.
Most performances will be presented at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, the La Jolla Music Society’s home venue. Additional events will take place at the Balboa Theatre, the San Diego Civic Theatre, and the Jacobs Music Center.
The season continues La Jolla Music Society’s longstanding tradition of bringing world-class artists and enriching cultural experiences to San Diego audiences while highlighting both established performers and emerging voices from around the globe.
Winter Season 2027 subscriptions range from $150 (Speaker Series – C-level pricing) to $581 (Piano Series – Gold-level pricing). Compose-Your-Own discounted packages of any three or more concerts are also available.
Single tickets will be available on July 8 and range from $30 (Black Grace – F-level pricing) to $200 (Itzhak Perlman: Fiddler’s House – Gold-level pricing).
The top price for An Evening with Audra McDonald is $250 (Gold). These prices are for tickets purchased through the La Jolla Music Society and include all fees. All ticket prices are subject to change.
Subscription packages go on sale on June 14. Compose-Your-Own packages and single tickets go on sale on July 8. Tickets for An Evening with Audra McDonald go on sale to the general public on July 8.
Details and tickets are available at the La Jolla Music Society box office, by phone at (858) 459-3728, and online.
