CONNECT with the CityCentral Library Concerts
The Central Library is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series!
The 2025-2026 season marks the 70th Anniversary of this signature program, which is one of the longest running concert series in San Diego. This season’s schedule will feature local musicians as well as touring ensembles. Highlights of the Winter/Spring Series include the Concert Series debut of violinist Kenneth Liao with pianist Igor Pandurski, as well as the return of favorites from previous seasons, the Cracow Duo in March and violinist Annelle Gregory in May. This season’s theme is Duos of Distinction - many performances will highlight the skillful collaboration of two musicians as they share dynamic and expressive repertoire from the Classical period to the 21st Century.
You will find the 2026 Winter/Spring schedule below.
Please explore this page to learn about our three concert program offerings: The Central Library Concert Series, the Cinema + Sound Series, and Community Concerts. You can jump directly to each schedule below.
The San Diego Central Library Concert Series features both local and visiting professional musicians and ensembles. This Series is a signature music program that continues to provide free, high-quality concerts for the community.
Please visit the Events Calendar for more information and updates.
Upcoming Concerts: Winter/Spring Concert Series
Kenneth Liao, violin and Igor Pandurski, piano
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 6:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Violinist Liao and violinist/pianist Pandurski, both members of the San Diego Symphony, will commence the 2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series with a program featuring compositions by Ysaÿe, Chopin, Prokofiev, Saint-Saëns, and more.
The Cracow Duo
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 6:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Jan Kalinowski, cello and Marek Szlezer, piano
The Cracow Duo’s program explores the richness of Polish music across generations, from the profound lyricism of Chopin’s late Sonata in G minor, through Paderewski’s intimate miniatures and folk-inspired Cracovienne, to the rhythmic drive and neoclassical brilliance of Tansman’s Partita for cello and piano. It offers a compelling contrast between Romantic introspection, national character, and 20th-century modern elegance.
Eric Starr, trombone & euphonium and Hyemi Kwon, piano
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
“Sonatas Crossing Centuries”
Trombonist Eric Starr and pianist Hyemi Kwon present an exciting survey of sonatas from the 18th century to the current decade. Hear how the baroque charm of Vivaldi stands up to modernist, angular Hindemith while the hindustani influence in Reena Esmail's Sonata smooths out any big bangs from Anthony Barfield's cosmological exploration, Red Sky. Starr and Kwon have been performing together for years and are excited to share this program at the Central Library.
Annelle Gregory, violin and Oksana Stock, piano
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 2:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
“Scheherazade and More”
Violinist Annelle Gregory returns to the Central Library to close out the 2025-26 season with pianist Oksana Stock and will present a program featuring Scheherazade as well as works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich.
Cinema + Sound
In addition to the Central Library's signature Concert Series, we are also pleased to announce two more programs in our new CINEMA + SOUND SERIES, soon entering its third season!
Cinema + Sound Series: The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 6:30 pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
As part of the Library’s celebration of Women’s History Month, The Hausmann Quartet will perform live music followed by a screening of the Academy Award-winning short Documentary, The Only Girl in the Orchestra.
Cinema + Sound Series: April 2026
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 6:30pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Program information forthcoming
Community Concerts
The Central Library partners with community music organizations and universities to bring more free concerts to our downtown community.
An Afternoon with The San Diego Master Chorale
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 2:30pm | Neil Morgan Auditorium
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents: Music on the Move
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 2:30 pm| Neil Morgan Auditorium
Join musicians of the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus for an intimate preview in our Music on the Move series, featuring performances that illuminate the composers and sound worlds at the heart of our Legends season. You’ll hear glimpses of Mahler’s radiant vision of paradise, the vivid contemporary voice of Andrea Casarrubios, and the timeless serenity of Duruflé—music that leads directly into our upcoming concert, The Heavenly Life, on May 2 and 3 at Mandeville Auditorium.
It’s the perfect way to experience what’s ahead and to savor the joy of live music with the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus.
San Diego State University: Student Chamber Ensembles
Spring date forthcoming | Neil Morgan Auditorium
Student Chamber Ensemble performances feature students from San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance in a mix of groups: trios, quartets, and quintets, spanning a diverse array of styles and time periods. Come hear SDSU’s promising chamber music students!
Please visit the Events Calendar for more information and updates.
Please browse our Encore Concert Series YouTube page for recordings of previous concert performances.
The Central Library Concert Series has been a signature program of the San Diego Public Library since the 1950s. It features local, national, and international chamber musicians.
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 San Diego's East Village. For more information, call the Central Library's Art, Music & Recreation Section at 619-236-5800.
Artists and programs are subject to change.
Where: Neil Morgan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. The Auditorium is across the courtyard from the library entrance.
When: Select Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30pm, 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.