A Guide to the Sommelier Concertmaster Series
Mainly Mozart Sommelier Concertmaster Series, held in November, January, and February at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, pairs top concertmasters with exceptional wines. Experience classical music uniquely as renowned sommeliers and concertmasters collaborate to match each musical performance with the perfect wine, enhancing the sensory depth and emotion of each piece.
Since 1988, Mainly Mozart has united the San Diego community with exceptional orchestral music, unique concert experiences, and youth education. Known for its renowned All-Star Orchestra Festival, Mainly Mozart hosts Concertmasters and Principal Players from prestigious orchestras worldwide. With Mozart as inspiration, it fosters innovation, community, and future musicianship through its programs.
The schedule for the 2024 mainly mozart sommelier concertmaster series
6:00PM: Welcome Reception and Silent Auction
6:30PM: Discussion with the sommelier led by Chef Claudia Sandoval. Claudia is a Mexican-American chef, television personality, and cookbook author best known for winning MasterChef Season 6 in 2015. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Claudia draws inspiration from her Mexican heritage, particularly the flavors of Baja California. Her cuisine often highlights traditional Mexican dishes with modern twists and vibrant presentations.
7:00PM: Concert. Wine will be poured between musical selections, and sommeliers and musicians will illustrate the connection of the wine to the pieces being performed.
Like the other restaurants in RMD Group (Huntress, Lumi, Storyhouse Spirits), the emphasis is on creating a great atmosphere for their customers to enjoy a good meal. In addition to the dining seating, there is a bar area where you can enjoy drinks and catch up with friends.
the 2024 season: Uniting Fine Wines and Concertmasters
For the 2024 season, you can purchase an individual or full 3-concert subscription.
Philadelphia Orchestra
Saturday, November 16th @ 6PM
String trio featuring Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim alongside Philadelphia Orchestra violist Burchard Tang, and Assoc. Principal cellist Priscilla Lee.
Wines curated by Rafael Peterson: a hospitality and fine wine expert at H Mercer Wine and Spirits, boasts experience as Wine Director and holds top sommelier certifications, innovating industry projects.
PROGRAM:
Dohnanyi: Serenade for String Trio
Handel/Halvorsen: Passacaglia
Beethoven:String Trio in C minor No. 3
dallas symphony
Saturday, January 11th @ 6PM
Concertmaster Alexander Kerr, Co-Concertmaster Nathan Olson, and pianist Anton Nel.
Wines curated by sommelier Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet: born in Tijuana, transitioned from engineering and coffee to wine, earning top certifications and championing Baja California’s wine culture and Mexican wine appreciation.
PROGRAM:
Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor
Mozart: Violin Sonata in B-flat major
Moszkowski: Suite for Two Violins and Piano in G Minor
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Saturday, February 8th @ 6PM
Concertmaster Martin Chalifour and pianist Steven Vanhauwaert.
Wines Curated by Marino Monferrato – Vice President of Hospitality Operations for DAOU Vineyards & Official Maître D’hôtel of “Hell’s Kitchen” hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay.
PROGRAM:
Bach: Sonata in B flat major
Dvorak: Romantic Pieces op. 75
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole op. 21
Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte (arr. Kochanski)
Ravel: Tzigane
Dvorak: Slavonic Dance in E minor No. 2
Brahms: Hungarian Dance in D minor No. 2
getting tickets for the series
For details, visit their official website.
Two food and wine events in San Diego worth attending are the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival and the San Diego Food + Wine Festival.
