Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival Announces 2026 Season with Notable Musical Changes

The Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival, recognized as the largest Mozart celebration in North America, will return to San Diego for its 38th season from June 17 to 27, 2026. This festival brings together concertmasters and principal players from top U.S. and Canadian orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony, for a series of six performances under Music Director Michael Francis. A significant change for the 2026 season is the appointment of a single concertmaster across all concerts, with David Kim of The Philadelphia Orchestra taking the role, marking the first time in eight years the position has not been shared among multiple musicians.

The festival's programming blends beloved symphonies and concertos with distinctive repertoire, offering audiences both familiar and unexpected musical experiences. Performances will be held primarily at Baker-Baum Concert Hall in The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, with the finale at UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater. The full orchestra roster for 2026 will be released in May, but the soloist lineup has been announced, featuring internationally celebrated artists. Acclaimed pianist Anne-Marie McDermott will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 on June 17, while guitarist Mak Grgić will present Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez on June 21. Pianist Anton Nel, a Grammy-nominated Mozart interpreter, will play Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 on June 23, and Grammy Award-winning violinist James Ehnes will perform Schumann's Violin Concerto on June 25 and Brahms's Double Concerto with cellist Robert DeMaine on June 27.

Nancy Laturno, Founding CEO of Mainly Mozart, emphasized the festival's role in establishing San Diego as a destination for world-class classical music. The event not only highlights musical excellence but also contributes to the cultural landscape, having been welcomed into the prestigious International Mozarteum Foundation's "Mozart Communities" in 2025. Ticket sales for festival packages began on February 15, 2026, available through https://www.mainlymozart.org/allstar, with single tickets priced from $68 to $155 at The Conrad and $25 to $250 at the amphitheater. The 2026 program includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Prokofiev, Copland, Mendelssohn, and others, showcasing a diverse range of classical compositions that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and new audiences.

The festival's importance extends beyond the performances, as it represents a gathering of elite musicians from across North America, fostering artistic collaboration and community engagement. By featuring a unified concertmaster and high-profile soloists, the 2026 season aims to deliver brilliance and depth, reinforcing the event's reputation for unforgettable musical moments. This annual celebration not only honors Mozart's legacy but also adapts to contemporary audiences, ensuring the continued relevance and vitality of classical music in San Diego and beyond.