Mainly Mozart Launches Innovative Chamber Music Series Pairing Concertmasters with Sommeliers

San Diego's Mainly Mozart, known for its annual All-Star Orchestra Festival, is set to launch an innovative chamber music series this fall that promises to elevate the concert-going experience. The 'Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters' will feature three intimate concerts pairing world-class musicians with expert sommeliers, creating a multisensory event that marries the depth of classical music with the nuances of fine wine.

The series, scheduled to begin in November 2024, will showcase concertmasters from some of the most prestigious orchestras in the United States, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Each concert will be accompanied by carefully curated wine selections chosen to complement and enhance the musical program.

This unique approach to classical music presentation reflects a growing trend in the arts to create more immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. By combining music with wine tasting, Mainly Mozart is tapping into the synergy between auditory and gustatory senses, potentially attracting a broader audience and offering a fresh perspective on classical music appreciation.

The series kicks off on November 16 with Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, joined by colleagues Burchard Chang and Priscilla Lee. Their performance of works by Beethoven, Handel, and Dohnanyi will be paired with wines selected by Sommelier Rafael Peterson, known for his expertise from prestigious establishments like Addison and Born and Raised.

January 11 will feature Dallas Symphony Concertmaster Alexander Kerr and Co-Concertmaster Nathan Olson, accompanied by pianist Anton Nel. The program includes pieces by Brahms, Mozart, and Moszkowski, with wines curated by Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet, a distinguished French Wine Scholar.

The series concludes on February 8 with Los Angeles Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour and pianist Steven Vanhauwaert performing works by Dvorak, Brahms, and Ravel. Marino Monferrato, known for his role on the TV show 'Hell's Kitchen,' will curate the wine pairings for this final concert.

Each event will begin with a wine and appetizer reception, followed by a discussion with the sommelier hosted by Chef Claudia Sandoval, winner of 'MasterChef' and Mainly Mozart's Culinary Director. The format allows for an educational component, with sommeliers and musicians explaining the connections between the selected wines and the musical pieces.

This innovative series has the potential to redefine the classical music concert experience, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience. By incorporating elements of fine dining and wine culture, Mainly Mozart is creating a bridge between different art forms and potentially attracting wine enthusiasts to classical music, and vice versa.

The intimate setting at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, with seating limited to tables of four and some individual seats, ensures an exclusive and personal experience for attendees. This format encourages social interaction and discussion, potentially fostering a greater sense of community among classical music patrons.

From an industry perspective, this series represents a creative solution to the ongoing challenge of attracting new audiences to classical music. By offering a multifaceted experience that goes beyond traditional concert formats, Mainly Mozart is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the classical music world.

The 'Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters' not only provides a unique entertainment option for San Diego residents and visitors but also serves as a potential model for other classical music organizations looking to diversify their offerings and engage with audiences in new ways. As the classical music industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this may play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and relevance of the art form in contemporary society.