Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival Returns with Rare Musical Discovery

San Diego will once again host the premier classical music event of the summer, with the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival returning for its 2025 season from June 18 to June 28. Under the direction of Maestro Michael Francis, the festival promises a remarkable musical journey featuring world-class musicians and a particularly exciting debut: Mozart's recently discovered Serenade in C Major.

The festival represents a unique opportunity for classical music enthusiasts, bringing together concertmasters and principal players from top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony. This year's event will feature six performances across two venues: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater.

A highlight of the festival is the performance of Mozart's Serenade in C Major, a work composed when the legendary composer was between 10 and 13 years old. Discovered in a German library in September 2024, the piece offers audiences a rare glimpse into Mozart's early musical genius. The opening night performance will pair this historical work with Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and Piazzolla's modern tango-inspired interpretation.

The festival's programming extends beyond Mozart, featuring works by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Strauss, Saint-Saëns, and Mendelssohn. Each concert offers a unique musical experience, from Baroque brilliance to romantic masterpieces, showcasing the versatility of the All-Star Orchestra.

Notable soloists for the 2025 festival include pianist Joyce Yang, violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, and cellist Robert DeMaine. Their performances will include significant works like Beethoven's Triple Concerto and Saint-Saëns's Piano Concerto No. 2, promising audiences an extraordinary musical experience.

The festival also introduces new audience-friendly features, such as pre-concert talks at The Conrad and picnic-style seating at the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater, making classical music more accessible and enjoyable for diverse audiences.

By presenting this extraordinary lineup, the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival continues its mission of connecting audiences with exceptional musical experiences, celebrating the enduring legacy of classical music while introducing innovative and rarely heard compositions.