![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-rafael-payare2.jpg\")
San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra at Jacobs Music Center on Feb. 8, 2025. (Sam Zauscher)<\/p>\nThe San Diego Symphony\u2019s second season in the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center boasts monumental works, opera, a two-week Brahams festival and performances by several acclaimed opera and classical music stars. \u00a0It opens Friday night with \u201cFrench Fairytales: Ravel and Debussy.\u201d The concert repeats Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
For Music Director Rafael Payare, who\u2019s now in his sixth season, this ambitious programming is a natural progression, given the new concert hall and the evolution of the symphony orchestra.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started this journey together in 2019. We had a bit of a hiccup because of the pandemic,\u201d said Payare, speaking recently from Los Angeles after he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl.<\/p>\n
San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra at Jacobs Music Center on Feb. 8, 2025. (Sam Zauscher)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve kept expanding the different colors and sounds of the orchestra. The beautiful thing is that it\u2019s like a crescendo happening. We understood, before and after, what was coming. That is always super, super good for the development of the orchestra.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeff Thayer, the symphony\u2019s concertmaster, believes the orchestra is ready for the challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been given a much more appropriate acoustic to be refining our sound and looking for more dynamics and everything that goes into making a great orchestra,\u201d he said, speaking from his Bankers Hill home.<\/p>\n
![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-jeff-thayer-concert.jpg\")
San Diego Symphony Concertmaster Jeff Thayer performs in concert on Jan. 10, 2025, at Jacobs Music Center. (Jenna Gilmer)<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re all blown away by (Symphony CEO) Martha (Gilmer) and our board getting both the Rady Shell and our concert hall\u2019s major renovation done.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusicians are always seeking to improve; that work will never be done. Now, with the Jacobs Music Center, we have a world-class instrument with which we can continue to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that in mind, we asked some of the orchestra\u2019s principal players about upcoming programming. Each musician was asked to discuss a particular month and to share their expected high points for the symphony\u2019s 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause the hall is such a great instrument, everybody will appreciate this big repertoire,\u201d Payare noted. \u201cI could not be more excited to be doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Sarah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-sarah-skuster.jpg\")
Sarah Skuster has been the Principal Oboe player with the San Diego Symphony since 2009. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nSarah Skuster \u2014 Principal oboist since 2009<\/p>\n
Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about October.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I\u2019m very excited for the first two weeks of the season which include Ravel\u2019s L\u2019Enfant et les Sortil\u00e9ges, De Falla\u2019s El Amor Brujo, and Schumann\u2019s Symphony No. 2.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve loved Ravel\u2019s L\u2019Enfant since I first heard it in college. It is charming, whimsical, there\u2019s a realistic (instrumental) cat duet, and gorgeous orchestral colors. It also has a prominent oboe duet at the beginning and end, which I am looking forward to playing for the first time.<\/p>\n For our second Masterworks of the season, the program includes Schumann\u2019s Second Symphony, which is full of robust energy, and contrasting sweet, hymn-like melodies. As a bonus, it also has some lovely woodwind moments, including an oboe solo, in the third movement.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward for the orchestra?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I\u2019m going to choose two. I feel that the continued inclusion of the music of living composers, along with commissioning new works is very important for keeping our art form alive and for expanding our musical horizons. I also am excited that we are performing two challenging operas in concert this season: Ravel\u2019s L\u2019Enfant et les Sortil\u00e9ges and Bartok\u2019s Bluebeard\u2019s Castle. Playing opera requires a high level of musical flexibility as well as attention to detail and style. It\u2019s a treat to exercise these musical muscles with such great works.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I\u2019m looking forward to our Brahms festival in the spring. Every piece in that festival has something glorious for the woodwinds, and many juicy solos and duets for the oboes!<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about November.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> For me personally, the highlight is when we\u2019ll play Mahler\u2019s \u201cDes Knaben Wunderhorn\u201d and Bruckner\u2019s Fourth Symphony on November 7 and 8.<\/p>\n \u201cWunderhorn\u201d is some of Mahler\u2019s most sublime, most signature stuff. The tunes in these songs are central to his symphonies. I\u2019ve oft wondered what it would\u2019ve been like if Mahler had written operas, and with his songs, one gets a good idea. I\u2019m not alone among my colleagues in my love for Bruckner\u2019s symphonies. His music is the perfect opportunity for our audience to be able to take the time to appreciate what a symphony orchestra is all about and bask in the glory of its sound.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Definitely the Brahms Festival in February. I feel like playing all the Brahms symphonies in one go is an opportunity to be savored. I\u2019ve played them all here with SDS over the years but never all in two weeks.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I would be remiss if I didn\u2019t mention Strauss\u2019s \u201cEin Heldenleben\u201d in May. That\u2019s about as much fun as one can have playing the horn right there! And at the end of January, we\u2019re playing what I think might be my favorite Mahler symphony, the Seventh. As horn-players, we gotta love \u2019em all, but 7 is probably my favorite because of how different, concise and interesting it is. It shows the orchestra off without too much extra to read into.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about December and January.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I always enjoy performing the \u201cNoel Noel\u201d concerts. It truly puts me in the holiday spirit, which I\u2019m sure the audience will feel as well. I also appreciate the collaboration of orchestra with soundtracks and films. We\u2019re performing \u201cHome Alone\u201d this December, which includes John Williams\u2019 epic movie score.<\/p>\n I\u2019m most looking forward to Mahler Seventh Symphony Jan 31 and Feb. 1. I love every Mahler Symphony, but this one takes us on a journey, very much like listening to a movie, with its twists and turns and unique instrumentation. Mahler added a tenor horn, guitar and mandolin, as well as interesting usages of instrument combinations. I\u2019m certain the audience will enjoy this celebration of nature, which ends in pastoral and dancelike fashion.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I find this entire season jam-packed with familiar works as well as not so familiar works. I\u2019m excited to play the opening French program (the final concert is today) which is different and innovative. We have a very intelligent audience and I\u2019m certain they will appreciate this program as well as other lesser-known programs. It\u2019s vital to the growth of an orchestra to program outside the box.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> A highlight for me personally is Sibelius Symphony No. 1, as it begins with a haunting clarinet solo with timpani roll accompaniment.\u00a0Brahms 3rd Symphony, in March, has a prominent clarinet part. These solos are on almost every audition list. Same goes for Mendelssohn 3rd Symphony.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about January.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I\u2019m very much looking forward to Shostakovich\u2019s 8th in January.\u00a0 Shostakovich is one of my favorite composers, and I\u2019ve not had the pleasure of playing this symphony yet.\u00a0 His percussion and timpani writing are some of the best parts to play in the standard repertoire.<\/p>\n Shostakovich\u2019s music is dramatic and at times can be dark.\u00a0 This piece was composed in the depths of the Second World War and you can feel tragedy listening to it.\u00a0 I think listeners will feel this emotion, but at the same time, experience the power of Shostakovich\u2019s orchestration, especially in the first movement.<\/p>\n I\u2019m also looking forward to Mahler\u2019s 7th symphony in January. Mahler\u2019s symphonies are always a moving experience for both the musicians and audience alike. In this symphony, Mahler makes use of a guitar and mandolin, and in the percussion, he interestingly writes for on- and offstage cowbells, rute, and low bell sounds, in addition to the more standard instruments.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Bela Bart\u00f3k\u2019s \u201cBluebeard\u2019s Castle\u201d is another piece this season that hasn\u2019t been done in my time with the orchestra. This is Bartok\u2019s only opera, and it is difficult. I\u2019m very much looking forward to this project and seeing how the newly renovated hall will help with its production.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> In addition to the previously mentioned Shostakovich and Mahler, Britten\u2019s \u201cFour Sea Interludes,\u201d on Modern Warfare 11, from his opera \u201cPeter Grimes\u201d has some wonderful percussion writing. We did the entire opera some years back, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing the various parts. Borodin\u2019s \u201cPolovtsian Dances\u201d from Prince Igor, on Modern Warfare 15, also has intricate and tasteful percussion writing that is both challenging and fun to play.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about February.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I am looking forward to the \u201cStorm and Fireworks\u201d programs on Feb. 21 and 22 that include the Ravel Piano Concerto in G major.\u00a0 Ravel is among one of my favorite orchestral composers and this piece happens to feature a gorgeous English horn solo in the slow movement in dialogue with the piano that I feel privileged to be a part of.<\/p>\n It is a highly emotive, gorgeous melody initially introduced by the piano completely alone and when the English horn reprises the theme towards the latter half of the movement, the piano has the most gorgeous and florid countermelody that creates a heart wrenchingly beautiful moment. I think Ravel\u2019s brilliant orchestral colors universally excite and appeal to audiences and account for the timeless appeal of his works.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> It\u2019s hard to pick one, so I\u2019m picking two!\u00a0 I think both the season opener (which concludes today) and season closer in May are landmark concerts in that they feature great works that the orchestra has not played often, if at all (at least in my 17 seasons here).<\/p>\n In those concerts, I\u2019m particularly looking forward to Debussy\u2019s Box of Toys and Bartok\u2019s \u201cBluebeard\u2019s Castle.\u201d I think it is important for orchestras to branch out within the orchestral repertoire and get the opportunity to play works that are less familiar to us. That allows for a fresh artistic perspective without preconceptions and keeps us on our musical toes. Weeks like that can reinvigorate the orchestra and provide a nice contrast alongside some of the works we play with more regularity.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Without a doubt, the concert I am personally looking forward to the most this season is Shostakovich 8 on January 24 and 25.\u00a0The end of the first movement contains one of the largest and most significant English horn solos in all the orchestral repertoire and this will be my first time playing it in an orchestra in nearly 25 years of studying and preparing this solo.<\/p>\n It is common on audition lists, though never asked until the final round because it takes quite a while for the committee to listen to. It is saved until an audition is whittled down to the final few players. It is a true test of stamina (physically, musically and emotionally) and I\u2019m greatly looking forward to finally getting to play this wonderful solo \u201cfor real\u201d outside of an audition setting for the first time in my career.<\/p>\n I am already physically training for it now to have the endurance!<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about March.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I am most excited with the March 6 concert, which contains the Brahms Symphony No. 4. It was the first piece I ever played with the San Diego Symphony in its regular season-opener at the old Copley Hall, probably in October 1999, when I was 23 years old. Since then, the San Diego Symphony has experienced three different music directors, from Maestro (Jung-Ho) Pak (to) Maestro (Jahja) Ling to Maestro Payare, and the orchestra has grown into an elite group. Plus, the hall has transformed from a historic theater into a world-class concert hall. This Brahams concert to me is a statement of transformation.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I am also looking forward to both of the Strauss concerts in May because they will give the entire orchestra the opportunities to show off our ability in two of the most technically challenging orchestral works in the entire literature.<\/p>\n I also think the family concerts and the school concerts are very important for an art institution. We need to introduce classical music to more families and to bring more students to the concert halls. They are the future audience and will be the future of classical music.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> The Brahms festival will give the cello section the opportunity to show off our sound. Everyone loves the cello for its sound. In each of Brahms\u2019 symphonic works, cellos get to play the iconic melodies that are not only memorable to the audience but also are often used as audition materials. They are the moments for the cellos to shine.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about April.<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I\u2019m especially excited about the Masterworks concert conducted by Robert Spano in April. It\u2019s always a pleasure working with him. He brings inspiring programming and the most sincere musicianship to every piece he touches. I\u2019ve had the chance to work with him not only here at SDS but also for several summers at Tanglewood, where I performed in a small ensemble for his conducting classes. That experience gave me a whole new perspective on the art of conducting and music-making. I think audiences will connect with the honesty and depth he brings to the stage. He has a way of making music feel both intimate and powerful.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> The newly curated Brahms Festival in late February and early March 2026 stands out as a major moment for the orchestra. Brahms has always been one of my favorite composers. His music has such emotional depth and complexity. With Rafael\u2019s vision and the outstanding guest artists we have lined up, it\u2019s going to be a powerful artistic statement. It shows how the orchestra continues to grow in ambition and artistic excellence.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> This season is especially meaningful for our viola section. After a intensely competitive audition process in May, we\u2019ve welcomed three fantastic new violists. Starting this fall, we\u2019ll finally have a full section made up entirely of full-time members. That hasn\u2019t happened since I became principal in 2014!<\/p>\n Honestly, every concert will feel like a highlight. There\u2019s a real sense of excitement and momentum within the section.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about May<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> For my yearly solo performance, I will play the Berg Violin Concerto in May. For 21 years, I\u2019ve never repeated a concerto. I love intellectually challenging works of music and this is one of the great concertos of the 20th century.<\/p>\n Berg wrote in a 12-tone technique, which is technically demanding. It will give the audience a little more to chew on than a romantic piece.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What concert or event do you see as a big move forward?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I think Rafael continues to push the orchestra and expand our repertoire. The opening program\u2019s going to be very fun \u2014 a Debussy ballet and a Ravel opera.<\/p>\n A significant part of our season is the Brahms cycle, where we\u2019ll be doing all four symphonies, the first piano concerto and the Brahms German Requiem.<\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> What highlights for your instrument or section are coming up?<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> It will be exciting for the violinists onstage to hear the Brahms Violin Concerto performed by Leonidas Kavakos, one of classical music\u2019s biggest names. Earlier, in November, Augustin Hadelich will play Sibelius. A couple of phenomenal violinists this year!<\/p>\n The San Diego Symphony will kick off its 2025-26 Jacobs Music Center season on Friday.<\/p>\n Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Debussy\u2019s The Joyful Isle (L\u2019isle joyeuse), The Box of Toys (La bo\u00eete \u00e0 joujoux) and Ravel\u2019s The Child and The Magical Spells: a lyric fantasy in two scenes (L\u2019enfant et les sortil\u00e8ges: Fantaisie lyrique en deux parties), featuring Music Director Rafael Payare, mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, soprano Liv Redpath, the San Diego Symphony Chorus and San Diego Children\u2019s Choir, directed by Gerard McBurney. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Chabrier\u2019s Espa\u00f1a, Rhapsody for Orchestra,\u00a0Jimmy\u00a0L\u00f3pez\u2019s Ephemerae, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Schumann\u2019s Symphony No. 2, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and pianist Javier Perianes. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Lera Korngold\u2019s Violin Concerto and Mendelssohn\u2019s Overture and Nocturne from A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream and Symphony No. 4 (\u201cItalian\u201d),\u00a0featuring conductor Gemma New, violinist Geneva Lewis. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Sunday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Colin Currie and The King\u2019s Singers ($39-$94)<\/p>\n Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> \u201cTim Burton\u2019s The Nightmare Before Christmas\u201d In Concert ($47-$110)<\/p>\n Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Spooky Sounds and Magical Melodies, featuring John Williams\u2019 \u201cHedwig\u2019s Theme\u201d from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer\u2019s Stone, Anna Clyne\u2019s Masquerade, Saint-Saens\u2019 Danse macabre and Stravinsky\u2019s The Firebird Suite, featuring conductor Sunny Xia. ($20-$40)<\/p>\n Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Fragments 4: \u201cLabyrinth,\u201d featuring cellist Alisa Weilerstein. ($29-$79)<\/p>\n Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Meet the Winds: Mother Goose\u00a0\u2013\u00a0(Symphony Kids, Program 1). ($15)<\/p>\n Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Selections from Mahler\u2019s The Boy\u2019s Magical Horn (Des Knaben Wunderhorn), Bruckner\u2019s Symphony No. 4, \u201cRomantic,\u201d featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and baritone Matthias Goerne. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Mendelssohn\u2019s The Hebrides Overture \u201cFingal\u2019s Cave,\u201d Sibelius\u2019 Violin Concerto, Schubert\u2019s Symphony No. 9, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and violinist Augustin Hadelich. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Sunday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Davina and The Vagabonds. ($29-$99)<\/p>\n Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.:<\/strong> Vienna Boys Choir presents Christmas in Vienna ($39-$94)<\/p>\n Friday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Olly Wilson\u2019s Shango Memory, Beethoven\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 4, Sibelius\u2019 Symphony No. 1, featuring conductor Anja Bihlmaier and pianist Steven Osborne. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Flow in Concert, film with orchestra, with conductor Jason Seber. ($57-$73)<\/p>\n Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Jazz @ The Jacobs, John Coltrane: Blue Train, featuring saxophonist Brian Levy, trombonist Andre Howard, bassist Mike Gurrola and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. ($25-$81)<\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Unsuk Chin\u2019s subito con forza (suddenly with force), Tchaikovsky\u2019s Violin Concerto, Mussorgsky\u2019s Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel), featuring conductor Kahchun Wong and violinist Randall Goosby. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0The Holiday\u00a0in Concert, film with orchestra, with conductor Thiago Tiberio, at the Rady Shell at Jacob\u2019s Park. ($37-$120)<\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Meet the Brass: \u2018Twas the Night Before Christmas (Symphony Kids, Program 2), featuring a San Diego Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. ($15)<\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.:<\/strong> \u201cHome Alone\u201d in Concert, film with orchestra, with conductor Thiago Tiberio, at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. ($54-$125)<\/p>\n Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec.\u00a0 21 at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Noel Noel at the Rady Shell featuring conductor Christopher Dragon and vocalist Devin DeSantis with the San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Children\u2019s Choir, and San Diego Symphony. ($37-$125)<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Gordon Goodwin\u2019s Big Phat Band. ($29-$99)<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Brahms\u2019 Piano Concerto No. 1, Dvo\u0159\u00e1k\u2019s Symphony No. 7, featuring conductor Thomas Guggeis and pianist Marc-Andr\u00e9 Hamelin. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Beethoven\u2019s Symphony No. 1, Shostakovich\u2019s Symphony No. 8, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Mahler\u2019s Symphony No. 7, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Steve Hackman\u2019s Beethoven x Beyonc\u00e9. ($39-$114)<\/p>\n Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Peter and the Wolf Family Concert 2. ($20-$40)<\/p>\n Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Meet the Percussion: Clapping Music\u00a0(Symphony Kids, Program 3) featuring a San Diego Symphony Orchestra\u00a0Percussion Ensemble. ($15)<\/p>\n Sunday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Jazz @ The Jacobs \u201cSongs For Lovers: The music of Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker, and Dinah Washington,\u201d featuring saxophonist Charles McPherson, singer Melissa Morgan, drummer Willie Jones III and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. ($25-$81)<\/p>\n Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Britten\u2019s Four Sea Interludes from \u201cPeter Grimes,\u201d Ravel\u2019s Piano Concert in G Major, Tchaikovsky\u2019s Symphony No. 6, \u201cPath\u00e9tique,\u201d featuring conductor Nicholas Carter and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m.:<\/strong> Brahms Festival: Brahms\u2019 A German Requiem, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare, soprano Julie Boulianne and bass-baritone Michael Sumuel. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Brahms Festival: Brahms\u2019 Symphony No. 1 and Brahms\u2019 Symphony No. 2, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Brahms Festival: Brahms\u2019 Violin Concerto in D major, Brahms\u2019 Symphony No. 4 in E minor, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and violinist Leonidas Kavakos. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong> Brahms Festival: Brahms\u2019 Symphony No. 3 in F major, Brahms\u2019 Violin Concerto in D major, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and violinist Leonidas Kavakos. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cAn Evening on Broadway,\u201d with Rob Fisher. ($29-$79)<\/p>\n Friday, Mar 20 at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Foreigner and San Diego Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Stuart Chafetz at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. (tickets begin at $58 on ticketmaster.com)<\/p>\n Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Meet the Strings: Ferdinand the Bull\u00a0(Symphony Kids, Program 4), featuring a San Diego Symphony Orchestra\u00a0String Quintet. ($15)<\/p>\n Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Jazz @ The Jacobs presents Dave Brubeck\u2019s \u201cTime Out,\u201d featuring pianist Josh Nelson and more to be announced. ($25-$81)<\/p>\n Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Schoenberg\u2019s Cool Cat, Adams\u2019 Century Rolls, Rachmaninoff\u2019s Symphony No. 3 in A minor, featuring conductor Robert Spano and pianist Conrad Tao. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Space Junk (Family Concert 3), featuring the Wind Sync wind quintet and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. ($20-$40)<\/p>\n Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Wojciech Kilar\u2019s Orawa, Chopin\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 2, Borodin\u2019s Symphony No. 2, and Borodin\u2019s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, featuring conductor Anna Sulkowska-Migon and pianist Ingrid Fliter. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m.:<\/strong>\u00a0Beethoven\u2019s Coriolan Overture, Beethoven\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 5, \u201cEmperor,\u201d Beethoven\u2019s Symphony No. 7 in F major, featuring conductor Trevor Pinnock and pianist Alexandra Dovgan. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 10, at 2 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Gabriela Ortiz\u2019s Dzonot, R. Strauss\u2019 Ein Heldenleben, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and cellist Alisa Weilerstein. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Jimmy L\u00f3pez\u2019s Per\u00fa Negro, Berg\u2019s Violin Concerto, Mendelssohn\u2019s Symphony No. 3, \u201cScottish,\u201d featuring Music Director Rafael Payare and violinist Jeff Thayer. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n Friday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 24 at 2 p.m.:\u00a0<\/strong>Strauss\u2019 Also Sprach Zarathurstra, Bart\u00f3k\u2019s Bluebeard\u2019s Castle, featuring Music Director Rafael Payare with mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill and baritone Mark Stone. ($30-$108)<\/p>\n 2025-26 Season Ticket Packages<\/strong>Prices include subscription fees.Jacobs Masterworks \u201cMax\u201d series\u00a0(28 percent to 39 percent off single tickets)Saturday A (17 Concerts): $433-$1,487Jacobs Masterworks full series\u00a0(24 percent to 35 percent off single tickets)Friday A (10 Concerts): $275-$935Saturday B (9 Concerts): $250-$844Saturday C (8 Concerts): $225-$753Sunday A (11 Concerts): $300-$1,026Jacobs Masterworks partial series\u00a0(17 percent to 25 percent off single tickets)Friday B (5 Concerts): $160-$510Friday C (5 Concerts): $160-$510Saturday D (6 Concerts): $187-$607Saturday E (6 Concerts): $187-$607Saturday F (5 Concerts): $160-$510Sunday B (6 Concerts): $187-$607Sunday C (5 Concerts): $160-$510Jazz @ The Jacobs series\u00a0(3 concerts, 9 percent to 13 percent off single tickets) $106-$241Family concert series\u00a0(3 concerts, 16 percent to 19 percent off single tickets) $70-$130Symphony kids series (4 10 a.m. concerts, $60, and 4 11:30 a.m. concerts, $60, 31 percent off single tickets)<\/p>\n![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-ben-jaber.jpg\")
Ben Jaber has been the Principal Horn player for San Diego Symphony since 2008. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nBen Jaber \u2014 Principal horn since 2008<\/p>\n![\"Sheryl](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-sheryl-renk.jpg\")
Sheryl Renk has served as Principal Clarinetist with the San Diego Symphony since 1991. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nSheryl Renk \u2014 Principal clarinet since 1991<\/p>\n![\"Greg](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-gregory-cohen.jpg\")
Greg Cohen has been the Principal Percussion player with the San Diego Symphony since 2008, and a symphony member since 2005. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nGreg Cohen \u2014 Principal percussion since 2008 (player since 2005)<\/p>\n![\"Andrea](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-andrea-overturf.jpg\")
Andrea Overturf has been the Principal English Horn player for San Diego Symphony since 2009. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nAndrea Overturf \u2014Principal English horn since 2009<\/p>\n![\"Yao](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-yao-zhao.jpg\")
Yao Zhao has served as the Principal Cello player with San Diego Symphony since 2007, and has been a member of the symphony since 1999. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nYao Zhao \u2014 Principal cello since 2007 (orchestra member since 1999)<\/p>\n![\"Chi-Yuan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-chi-yuan-chen.jpg\")
Chi-Yuan Chen has been the Principal Viola player for San Diego Symphony since 2014, and a member of the orchestra since 2005. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nChi-Yuan Chen \u2014 Principal viola since 2014 (orchestra member since 2005)<\/p>\n![\"Jeff](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-jeff-thayer.jpg\")
Jeff Thayer has been Concertmaster for the San Diego Symphony since 2004. (Todd Rosenberg)
\nJeff Thayer \u2014 Concertmaster since 2004<\/p>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-rafael-payare3.jpg\")
San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra in concert at Jacobs Music Center on Oct. 19, 2024. (Gary Payne)
\nThe San Diego Symphony 2025-26 Jacobs Music Center season<\/p>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/sut-l-music-rafael-payare-portrait2.jpg\")
San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare. (Todd Rosenberg)<\/p>\n