Mainly Mozart, the San Diego-based nonprofit known for its annual All-Star Orchestra Festival, will launch a new chamber music series titled 'Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters' in Fall 2024. This innovative series features three intimate concerts pairing concertmasters from prestigious orchestras with top sommeliers, creating a unique sensory experience that blends classical music with fine wine. The series will take place at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, beginning on November 17, 2024, with subsequent performances on January 11 and February 8, 2025.
Each event will start with a wine and appetizer reception at 6 pm, followed by a discussion with the sommelier hosted by Chef Claudia Sandoval, winner of 'MasterChef' and judge. The concerts will commence at 7 pm, with wine poured between musical selections to illustrate the connection between the chosen wines and the performed pieces. Nancy Laturno, Mainly Mozart co-founder and CEO, explained the inspiration behind the series: 'We used the inspiration of March's Culinary Concerto gala which paired world-class music with fine wine and fare, in creating the Sommelier Series. There's such a rich history and depth of feeling that exists with classical music. It is a uniquely emotive art form and we believe that this will be a sensory experience that you'll never forget.'
The first concert on November 16 will feature Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, performing with colleagues Burchard Chang (viola) and Priscilla Lee (cello). The program includes works by Beethoven, Handel, and Dohnanyi, with wines curated by Sommelier Rafael Peterson of H Mercer Wine and Spirits. The January 11 concert will showcase Dallas Symphony Concertmaster Alexander Kerr, joined by Co-concertmaster Nathan Olson and pianist Anton Nel. Sommelier Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet, the first person from Mexico to achieve the title of 'French Wine Scholar with Highest Honors,' will curate the wines for this event. The final concert on February 8 will present Los Angeles Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour, accompanied by pianist Steven Vanhauwaert. Marino Monferrato, the official Maître D'hôtel of Gordon Ramsay's 'Hell's Kitchen,' will curate the wines for this performance.
This innovative series represents a significant development in classical music presentation, offering audiences a multisensory experience that goes beyond traditional concert formats. By combining world-class musical performances with expertly paired wines, Mainly Mozart creates a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with classical music in a new way. The 'Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters' has the potential to attract both classical music enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs, potentially broadening the audience for chamber music. This approach may also inspire other arts organizations to explore similar cross-disciplinary collaborations, fostering new ways to experience and appreciate classical music.
Tickets for the series are now available, with options ranging from individual seats to tables of four. Prices vary from $125 to $500 per concert, with subscription packages also available. Interested parties can find more information and purchase tickets at https://www.mainlymozart.org/wine. As Mainly Mozart continues to evolve, the 'Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters' stands as a testament to the organization's commitment to bringing fresh, engaging experiences to the San Diego community and beyond. This series not only celebrates the artistry of classical music but also explores its connection to other sensory experiences, potentially opening new avenues for appreciation and enjoyment of this timeless art form.
