The annual Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival will take place in San Diego from June 18 to June 28, 2025, featuring a rare performance of Mozart's recently discovered Serenade in C Major and an exceptional lineup of internationally renowned musicians. Under the direction of Maestro Michael Francis, the festival will present six unique performances at two venues: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater. This year's program celebrates musical diversity, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Saint-Saëns, and other classical masters.
A highlight of the festival is the performance of Mozart's newly discovered Serenade in C Major, composed when the legendary composer was between 10 and 13 years old. Found in a German library in September 2024, this piece offers audiences a glimpse into Mozart's early musical genius. The festival will feature musicians from top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra. Distinguished soloists such as pianist Joyce Yang, violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, and clarinetist Boris Allakhverdyan will perform landmark classical compositions.
Each concert will showcase a unique program, ranging from Baroque brilliance to romantic masterpieces. The opening night will feature Vivaldi's The Four Seasons alongside Piazzolla's tango-inspired interpretation, while the closing concert will present Beethoven's Triple Concerto and Symphony No. 7. Attendees can enjoy pre-concert talks at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and picnic-style seating at the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater, where guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
This festival represents more than a musical event; it is a celebration of classical music's rich heritage and ongoing innovation, connecting audiences with the genius of composers across centuries. The inclusion of the recently discovered Mozart serenade provides a unique opportunity to experience a work that has been absent from the concert repertoire for centuries, while the gathering of musicians from premier American orchestras ensures performances of exceptional quality. The festival's dual-venue approach at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater offers varied concert experiences, from traditional indoor settings to outdoor picnic-style enjoyment.
The discovery and performance of Mozart's early serenade matters because it provides new insight into the composer's developmental years, allowing scholars and audiences to better understand how his genius evolved. For the classical music community, this festival demonstrates how historical discoveries can revitalize contemporary programming while maintaining connections to musical traditions. The event's importance extends beyond entertainment, serving as an educational opportunity through pre-concert talks and as a cultural gathering that brings together world-class musicians for collaborative performances that might not occur in regular orchestral seasons.
