by The well-known American-Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan will serve as the festival’s leader for an additional five years, according to a statement released by the La Jolla Music Society.
According to a statement from LJMS Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal, Inon’s creative vision has elevated SummerFest to new heights and brought together a thriving community of top-notch musicians, jazz artists, and dancers who are excited to perform with him. Over the next five years, I am excited to continue this journey with you.
At the start of SummerFest 2025’s final performance on Saturday night, the announcement was made.
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According to Barnatan, each SummerFest has seemed like a fresh start as well as a return home. I’m excited to continue exploring the music, concepts, and partnerships that make this festival so special, as well as to expand my role as music director.
“I’m thrilled for everything that lies ahead, and the trust and excitement of this community, along with the support of the LJMS staff, mean the world to me,” he said.
Since 2019, Barnatan, a well regarded concert pianist, has served as SummerFest’s music director. In that capacity, he chooses the performers and develops the programming and theme for the summer festival concerts.
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He has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony, the Chicago, Baltimore, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Nashville, San Diego, and Seattle symphonies, and he frequently performs as a soloist with many of the top orchestras and conductors in the world.
According to the LJMS, SummerFest 2025 was the most successful to date, with over 50 free activities and 20 concerts spread over four weeks.
The Conrad in La Jolla will host SummerFest’s 40th anniversary in July and August of 2026.
