La Jolla Music Society

La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest 2025 Fellowship Artist Program

ABOUT
Curated by award-winning pianist and festival Music Director Inon Barnatan, La Jolla Music Society’s acclaimed SummerFest chamber music festival features more than 80 of the world’s finest musicians at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center each August.

The Fellowship Artist Program is an integral part of the festival, offering a one-of-a-kind experience to up-and-coming classical musicians. The program provides a seamless blend between educational and professional opportunities customized to serve you best.

A carefully chosen group of young musicians participate each summer in this immersive program, which focuses on developing the interpretation, communication, and performance skills required at the highest levels of chamber music. Participants will take part in Coaching Workshops with senior festival artists, lead master classes with local music students, attend SummerFest concerts, perform in free community concerts and Musical Preludes, and share the stage with some of the best artists in the world.

At La Jolla Music Society, we recognize that every young artist is at a different point in their learning and career. The Fellowship Artist Program is designed to support you in your personal path, providing new tools and insights to help you achieve your goals.

La Jolla Music Society offers an honorarium of $2,500 to each Fellowship Artist for their participation, as well as travel contributions, housing, and two rental cars for each ensemble. Applications will open in October 2024 for SummerFest 2025.

TO APPLY
The SummerFest 2025 Fellowship Artist application opens in October 2024 and closes on December 30, 2024. Established string quartets are encouraged to apply, along with pianists, violinists, violists, and cellists. Quartet members may apply as both individuals and with their ensemble but will only be able to attend as one or the other. Individual applicants who are selected to participate will be matched with other young artists to form small chamber groups for the festival.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists ages 21-31 (exceptions to the age limit may be granted)
• Established string quartets are encouraged to apply
• Must be available to be in La Jolla, California from July 22 through August 24, 2025

Application Fee Waiver
There is a $45 application fee for each application due at the time of submission. La Jolla Music Society is committed to equity and accessibility across all its programs. If you are unable to pay the fee, please review Acceptd’s financial assistance information or reach out directly to La Jolla Music Society (contact information provided below).

HISTORY
For over 30 years, Fellowship Artist alumni have gone on to win major awards and competitions, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Fischoff Competition, and the Banff International String Quartet Competition. Many past Fellowship Artists have returned to perform during the festival and on La Jolla Music Society’s Winter Season, including Dover Quartet, Escher String Quartet, Balourdet Quartet, Rolston String Quartet, John Largess of Miró Quartet, Sheryl Staples, Felix Fan of FLUX Quartet, and many others.

PAST FELLOWSHIP ARTISTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE
Check out what the Dover Quartet had to say about their experience as Fellowship Artists.

“La Jolla SummerFest was truly one of the best summer music festival experiences I have ever had. As fellows, we had endless opportunities at the festival ranging from masterclasses and concert performances to collaborations and a wide variety of outreach and networking events. The concerts were always so inspiring and there was a great sense of community between the artists and audiences. I will never forget the amazing hosts we had and the incredible post-concert parties! The best part was the unforgettable food and wine! This experience has really benefited the quartet as we have built many long-lasting relationships and connections through SummerFest.”
—Hezekiah Leung, viola, Rolston String Quartet

QUESTIONS?

Contact: Allison Boles
Director of Learning & Engagement
La Jolla Music Society
ABoles@TheConrad.org
858.526.3438

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.