Central Library Concert Series
The San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2024 Winter/Spring Concert Series! This next set of programs will highlight a special component of the Series since its earliest days—our Steinway B! In recognition of our piano's 100th anniversary, this Series will feature some of San Diego's favorite pianists and ensembles, and will explore this instrument’s versatile sound in genres from Classical to Boogie-Woogie!
Now in its 68th season, this signature program of the San Diego Central Library continues to provide free concerts for the downtown community and will feature ensembles from throughout Southern California.
In addition to our Sunday concerts, the Library continues its collaboration with the highly acclaimed Hausmann Quartet to present live music + film offerings on two Mondays as part of the Library’s Picture This! Film Series! Join us for these special performances on Mondays, February 12 and April 15 at 6:00pm.
Central Library Concert Series programs are FREE and open to the public with first come, first served seating.
You will find additional information about these concerts on our Events Calendar.
Upcoming Concerts: 2024 Winter/Spring Concert Series
Sue Palmer and Her Motel Swing Orchestra
Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Sue Palmer, piano/band leader | Jonny Viau, saxophone | April West, trombone | Steve Wilcox, guitar | Pete Harrison, bass | Sharon Shufelt, drums | Liz Ajuzie, lead vocals
The Series commences with a performance by San Diego's own “Queen of Boogie Woogie,” Sue Palmer, with her Motel Swing Orchestra! This performance of original songs and timeless favorites will showcase the library's Steinway and get your toes tapping!
Mark Valenti, piano
Sunday, February 25, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Visiting the Series from Chicago, Mark Valenti's program will provide an overview of the evolution of piano styles from the elegant gracefulness of Classicism to the passionate lyricism of Romanticism through the atmospheric Impressionism of Debussy to the rhythmic percussiveness of Modernism.
Barbara Scheidker, piano
Sunday, March 10, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
“Composing Women: Five Centuries of Keyboard Music”
San Diego pianist Barbara Scheidker presents a program of music written by women composers from the time of Louis XIV to the present, prefacing the music with a discussion of the composer's unique and often difficult journey toward recognition.
The Vieness Piano Duo
Sunday, March 17, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Vijay Venkatesh | Eva Schaumkell
Returning after a successful performance with the Series in 2019, the Vieness Piano Duo will continue the Central Library’s focus on our beloved Steinway with Romantic Era four-hand works by Ravel, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff.
The Irving Flores Jazz Trio
Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Irving Flores, piano | Mackenzie Leighton, upright bass | Fernando Gomez, drums
Join el maestro Irving Flores as he takes you on a journey from his roots in Veracruz to his recent years south of the border and most recently in San Diego. Maestro Flores will dazzle the audience with traditional Mexican music with a Jazz twist. You will also enjoy the excitement of his original compositions that are inspired by his world travels, colorful life experiences, and most of all- love.
FAIVA
Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Grant Muāgututi’a | Vaea A’etonu | Tinifuloa Grey
2023-2024 Concert Series Finale!
“Faiva O Sāmoa: An Afternoon with FAIVA”
Don’t miss an exciting afternoon of traditional Sāmoan music played with acoustic guitars, selo (upright bass) and ukulele, along with traditional Sāmoan percussion instruments that draw influence from the melodic storytelling traditions from throughout Polynesia. Fresh off the release of their debut album, “Faiva O Sāmoa,” lifelong musicians Grant Muāgututi’a, Vaea A’etonu and Tinifuloa Grey will provide a program of blissful harmonies and authentic music. Be ready to be immersed in the language, culture and musical arts of Sāmoa.
PLUS: TWO MUSIC + FILM SERIES EVENTS!
The Hausmann Quartet will present two special programs that bring music and cinema to life!
The Hausmann Quartet Presents: An Evening of Erich Korngold | Monday, February 12, 2024 | 6:00pm
In An Evening of Erich Korngold, the Hausmann Quartet will perform and discuss this composer's dramatic and lyrical String Quartet No. 2 Op. 26. Their performance will be followed by a screening of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), the award-winning film featuring Korngold's classic soundtrack.
“Sounds and Swells” Presented by the Art of Elan and the Hausmann Quartet | Monday, April 15, 2024 | 6:00pm
In the lead-up to Earth Day 2024, "Sounds and Swells" will juxtapose the unlikely combination of transcendent music and visually stunning surf videos. With this backdrop of crashing waves, the Hausmann Quartet will perform dramatic works by composers from Claude Debussy to Phillip Glass.
Please browse our Encore Concert Series YouTube page for recordings of previous concert performances.
The Central Library Concert Series has been a San Diego Public Library signature program since the 1950s and features local, national, and international chamber musicians.
The Concert Series is made possible by the Friends of the Central Library, the San Diego Public Library matching fund program, the San Diego Library Foundation, and public and private donations. All programs are FREE and open to the public. Most Concert Series programs are approximately one hour long with no intermission and are held at the Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown in East Village, San Diego. For more information, call the Central Library's Art, Music and Recreation Section at 619-236-5800.
Artists and programs are subject to change.
Where: Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. The Auditorium is across the courtyard from the library entrance.
When: Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Programs usually last one hour with no intermission.
Cost: Programs are free and open to the public.
Parking: Two hours of free parking with validation are available at the library, and additional parking is available at public spaces within walking distance of the library. The Central Library is two blocks from the Park & Market trolley stop.