Despite its later starting date this season, SummerFest (Aug. 6-27), sneaked up on many. The renowned annual chamber music festival, presented by La Jolla Music Society, actually commenced last night (Aug. 4) with a magnificent free concert at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The indoor music making at Sherwood Auditorium begins Friday, Aug. 6, with “String Spectacular,” featuring, among others, the internationally-acclaimed violinist Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin, who celebrates his 10th anniversary as SummerFest music director this season. His “Spectacular” colleagues are the Borromeo String Quartet, the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra, cellists Carter Brey, Yeesun Kim, Lynn Harrell and Eric Han, and violist Paul Neubauer. Village News caught up with Lin in Santa Fe, where he has a busy schedule of performances. Recently, he completed his 34th season of performing at the Aspen Music Festival. When he’s not touring the world as a violinist, Lin may be found teaching at The Juilliard School and Rice University. According to Lin, SummerFest has “evolved very nicely” during his tenure. “There’s been no drastic, abrupt change of direction; it’s evolved naturally, comfortably, organically, which is the way I like,” he said. Lin attributes this to the staff, which can make or break a festival. “They’re the part not seen by the audience,” he said. “And how they handle the artists is very important. In that respect, La Jolla Music Society is in excellent, excellent shape right now. “The economic downturn has affected everybody, but only a couple of important events have been cut, namely jazz and dance. But the important thing for me is the core — chamber music is the core and the soul of the festival — and that part has never been affected.” Has it seemed like 10 years? “Well, it depends on the circumstance,” Lin said. “When things are going well, time flies. When you run into obstacles, 10 years can seem like 20.” He admitted to jesting in part and said his tenure has been filled with rewards. The season’s rewards include reunions with lots of friends and artists, and the introduction of several new ones. As always, Tuesday evenings are devoted to a featured composer. This year it’s troubled Romantic composer Robert Schumann (1810-1856) in observation of the bicentennial of his birth. His music is featured Aug. 10, 17 and 24. One hour prior to each 7:30 p.m. concert, Russell Steinberg explores the composer and his life. In addition, a free SummerFest Encounter presents University of California, San Diego professor Steven Cassedy and WDAV-FM’s Benjamin K. Roe, delivering “Music and Madness: Insights on Schumann,” 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. In addition to free events such as coaching workshops, open rehearsals and artist encounters, SummerFest’s main events are most certainly the 14 concerts, all but one of which takes place at Sherwood Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. (Composer/organist Anthony Newman is presented in “The Age of Enlightenment” Saturday, Aug. 7 at St. James by the Sea Episcopal Church.) SummerFest also continues its yearlong celebration of Frederic Chopin (1910-1849) with “From the Salon to the Opera House” Saturday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and “Chopin in Paris,” Sunday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. Earlier, another 3 p.m. Sunday program, “Masterworks and Premieres” takes place Aug. 8. Wednesday’s “Evenings with…” piano series presents the celebrated Emmanuel Ax on Aug. 11, SummerFest debutante Gabriela Montero on Aug. 18, and the renowned Vladimir Feltsman on Aug. 25. MORE INFO For a complete schedule of programs and artists, visit www.ljms.org or phone (858) 459-3728.
