![\"Kate](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sut-l-music-kate-hatmaker-01.jpg\")
Kate Hatmaker is the executive and artistic director and co-founder of the San Diego music nonprofit Art of Elan. (Kate Hatmaker)<\/p>\nEven frequent attendees at Art of Elan concerts may have trouble describing this nonprofit. A dynamic presence in San Diego\u2019s vibrant chamber-music scene, it has no consistent roster of musicians and the locations of its concerts vary widely. The concerts offer refreshments and encourage socializing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people refer to us as a group, some refer to us as a series and others see us as a presenting organization,\u201d said Art of Elan co-founder Kate Hatmaker. \u201cThat may be the closest description. We curate and present concerts, that\u2019s what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate Hatmaker is the executive and artistic director and co-founder of the San Diego music nonprofit Art of Elan. (Kate Hatmaker)<\/p>\n
But Art of Elan does those things in its own unique way. And it is celebrating its 20th anniversary season by being even more challenging and inventive than in its previous two decades.<\/p>\n
Its new compelling double album, \u201cVisions & Dreams,\u201d will be released Friday. The ambitious retrospective showcases the works of living composers that Art of Elan has performed over the past two decades.<\/p>\n
The new season, \u201cCollective Wisdom,\u201d will include concerts by New York\u2019s acclaimed Brooklyn Rider string quartet and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and singer Carolyn Shaw. Art of Elan\u2019s intrepid crew of musicians will perform a notoriously demanding Messiaen piece under the stars in Borrego Springs. TAnd the October to June season will culminate in a daylong festival of jubilation at Balboa Park\u2019s Mingei International Museum.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe driving force for these different types of concerts and different venues over the years is our desire to bring people together,\u201d Hatmaker explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to build community, which we increasingly need in this world. We need to get off our couch, get off our phones and come physically rub shoulders with one another at an event, and recognize that there is more that we have in common than what divides us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Art of Elan gave its first concerts in 2007. It was the brainchild of two San Diego Symphony musicians, violinist Hatmaker and flutist Demarre McGill.<\/p>\n
Their goal was to expose diverse audiences to classical music by presenting exceptional chamber music concerts in unconventional venues. The programing would be a mix of traditional chamber-music works and commissioned contemporary pieces. Personal connections with audiences were encouraged.<\/p>\n
McGill, currently principal flutist of the Seattle Symphony, serves on Art of Elan\u2019s advisory board and will perform at the last concert of the new season. Hatmaker, who still plays with the symphony, is the nonprofit\u2019s executive and artistic director.<\/p>\n
![\"Art](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sut-l-classical-visionsanddreams.jpg\")
Art of Elan musicians in a recording session for the group\u2019s upcoming double album \u201cVisions & Dreams,\u201d being released July 10 by Phenotypic Recordings. (Art of Elan)
\nNew album: \u2018Visions & Dreams\u2019<\/p>\n
Last fall, Art of Elan recorded its double album that will be released by Phenotypic Recordings. \u201cVisions & Dreams: 20th Anniversary Retrospective\u201d didn\u2019t originate from Art of Elan, but from Phenotypic.<\/p>\n
The San Francisco-based company, which has distributed albums by the Kronos Quartet and San Diego\u2019s Hausmann Quartet, heard about Art of Elan through the classical-music grapevine. Phenotypic was especially interested in recording music that had rarely been recorded \u2014 if at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cVisions & Dreams\u201d features a remarkably wide variety of original works expertly played by Art of Elan musicians. It includes composer Gabriela Ortiz\u2019 \u201cExilios\u201d\u00a0 and works by other composers that have not been recorded before.<\/p>\n
The double album is beautifully paced.<\/p>\n
\u201cI agonized over this more than I have over any individual concert in 20 years,\u201d said Hatmaker. \u201cAnd I spend a fair amount of time agonizing over each concert!<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was important to me that the individual tracks not exist in a vacuum \u2014 this is a sonic journey we\u2019re taking listeners on, and there is an arc to each of the volumes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The diverse group of composers on \u201cVisions & Dreams\u201d includes Grammy-winning composers Ortiz, Mason Bates and Jessie Montgomery. Also featured is music by Kronos Quartet\u2019s Paul Wiancko, keyboardist and YouTuber Nahre Sol, award-winning Chinese-American Chen Yi (who is in her 70s) and Iranian-American Kian Ravaei (who is in his 20s).<\/p>\n
The double album includes such high-profile San Diego musicians as Hausmann Quartet cellist Alex Greenbaum, trombonist Eric Starr and pianist Tina Chong, who each teach at SDSU. Like Hatmaker, \u201cVisions & Dreams\u201d viola\/violinist Hanah Stuart, cellist Andrew Hayhurst, bassist Jeremy Kurtz-Harris, flutist Rose Lombardo, harpist Julie Phillips and Associate Concertmaster Wesley Precourt are members of the San Diego Symphony.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel really fortunate that I have such superstar colleagues here who can commit to recording all this terribly difficult music,\u201d Hatmaker said. \u201cWe are very lucky. It\u2019s an abundance of artistic riches here in San Diego.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"High](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sut-l-classical-artofelan-youngartists.jpg\")
High school and college composers in Art of Elan\u2019s Young Artists in Harmony program in the Jason Mraz Music Studio at (ARTS) A Reason to Survive in National City. Works by this year\u2019s composers will be performed there on Nov. 21. (Vincent Martinez)
\nNew season: \u2018Collective Wisdom\u2019<\/p>\n
That wealth of talent will be on frequent display during Art of Elan\u2019s 20th season. Art of Elan launches \u201cCollective Wisdom\u201d on Oct. 6 by presenting the ever-evolving Brooklyn Rider string quartet. Its \u201cCitizenship Notes\u201d program, co-commissioned by Art of Elan, traces the history of democracy through music from Haydn to Bob Dylan to Puerto Rican-born composer Ang\u00e9lica Negr\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
The concert will be held at the JAI, an intimate, cabaret-style space at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Art of Elan is one of the four Resident Companies @ The Conrad, an honor bestowed in May 2025 by La Jolla Music Society.<\/p>\n
A week later, Art of Elan will perform at La Casa del Zorro\u2019s star-gazing outdoor theater in Borrego Springs (an International Dark Sky Community). It seems an ideal place to play the rarely performed Des canyons aux \u00e9toiles (From the Canyons to the Stars) by Olivier Messiaen. The French composer was inspired to write the massive work by his 1972 trip through Bryce Canyon and Zion Park.<\/p>\n
UC San Diego professor and percussionist Steven Schick will conduct a percussion-heavy chamber orchestra of about 30 musicians in Borrego Springs. Longtime friends, Schick and Hatmaker first performed the Messiaen opus in La Jolla about 10 years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cSteve\u2019s dream was to do it again, but in a more immersive way,\u201d Hatmaker said. \u201cYou\u2019ll be under the stars watching the sky change over the course of these 90 minutes. You\u2019ll literally be hearing the stars come out as you\u2019re looking up at them.\u201d<\/p>\n
In November, Art of Elan returns to the Mingei International Museum, one of its longtime stomping grounds. In a concert tied to the museum\u2019s \u201cPainted Prayers\u201d folk art exhibit, Hatmaker and Hausmann Quartet\u2019s Greenbaum, who are married, will play two commissioned world premieres.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles-based Jory Herman, an Art of Elan advisory board member and producer of \u201cVisions & Dreams,\u201d composed a violin\/cello\/electronics piece for them. The companion piece is by Eunike Tanzil, a young Indonesian composer, also based in L.A.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you commission new music, you have no idea what it\u2019s going to sound like,\u201d Hatmaker said. \u201cBut it will celebrate this 20th anniversary milestone, so that\u2019ll be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
With or without a commission, Herman was planning to compose a piece for the event honoring Art of Elan\u2019s achievements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with Kate is a reminder that great art is ultimately about people and the community we build together,\u201d he said via email.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer dedication to fostering connections, championing new voices, and creating meaningful experiences has made Art of Elan a model for what an arts organization can be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Free noon concerts<\/p>\n
Slightly overlapping Art of Elan\u2019s regular season are two programs that are integral parts of its overall approach.<\/p>\n
In collaboration with the San Diego Public Library, Art of Elan presents \u201cMidday Music,\u201d a free, noon concert series held on select Fridays at the Central Library downtown. This past season closed with a June 12 concert. The new \u201cMidday Music\u201d series begins August 14.<\/p>\n
Young Artists in Harmony (YAH), Art of Elan\u2019s composition program in partnership with (ARTS) A Reason To Survive in National City, will start a 10-week session in mid-September. Now in its 12th year, YAH offers in-person mentoring to advanced music students from professional Art of Elan musicians on Saturdays and via Zoom during the week.<\/p>\n
At a November 21 concert, the fall crop of YAH composers will witness their works premiered and receive a professional recording of the event. Hatmaker said many former YAH students are pursuing composition in college and continue to stay in touch.<\/p>\n
Art of Elan will kick off 2027 with a January concert called \u201cSounds & Swells\u201d at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad. Conceived by trombonist and surfer Eric Starr, the popular series features live music played by the Hausmann Quartet carefully synced with surfing footage.<\/p>\n
Among the other Art of Elan offerings next spring is an April 18 concert by its resident HAWK Quartet at a to-be-determined venue. HAWK members Hatmaker, Hausmann, Wesley Precourt and Hanah Stuart will perform Beethoven\u2019s epic String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we take on bigger projects, we know each other so well and can so instinctively play easily with each other,\u201d Hatmaker noted. \u201cThere\u2019s a built-in trust. Wes and Hanah are married, and Alex and I are married, so we all sort of intimately know each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were the quartet that recorded most of the works on the \u2018Visions & Dreams\u2019 album. We\u2019ve talked about doing the Beethoven piece for a while and I think it\u2019s going to be pretty memorable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Art of Elan will close the 2026-27 season with its characteristically community-oriented Collective Wisdom Festival at the Mingei International Museum on June 27. The daylong event will showcase works by a range of local organizations, from Camarada and Bach Collegium to Malashock Dance and the Myriad Trio, which includes Art of Elan co-founder Demarre McGill.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a daylong love fest to say thank you to all these art organizations that paved the way for us,\u201d Hatmaker said. \u201cWe will be celebrating this collective wisdom that we\u2019ve gathered from so many over these years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a testament to what our region is capable of and the generosity of spirit that exists here.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Art](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sut-l-classical-artofelan-soundsandswells-01.jpg\")
Art of Elan will present \u201cSounds & Swells,\u201d a multimedia concert with a string ensemble performing music synchronized to surf films, on Jan. 17 at The Conrad in La Jolla. (Todd A. Davidson)
\nArt of Elan\u2019s 2026-27 season: Collective Wisdom<\/p>\n
Fridays on Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Jan. 22, Feb. 12, March 12, April 16, May 21 and June 18, noon: Midday Music invites audiences to enjoy curated chamber-music performances during the lunch hour while taking in panoramic views of downtown San Diego. Shiley Special Events Suite at San Diego Central Library. 330 Park Blvd. Free<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.: Acclaimed string quartet Brooklyn Rider will perform its celebrated \u201cCitizenship Notes\u201d program. Along with Carnegie Hall, Art of Elan served as a co-commissioner of the project, which explores themes of civic engagement, belonging and shared responsibility through the music of Haydn, Beethoven and more contemporary voices. The JAI at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. $18-$53.<\/p>\n
Monday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.: Olivier Messiaen\u2019s epic masterpiece From the Canyons to the Stars gets a rare outdoor performance beneath the desert sky. Conducted by Steven Schick, the performance will feature acclaimed soloists including pianists Conor Hanick and percussionists Fiona Digney and Andrew Watkins. Stargazing Theater at La Casa del Zoro Resort & Spa, 3845 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs. $23-$50.<\/p>\n
Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.: Inspired by Mingei International Museum\u2019s Painted Prayers exhibition, this colorful program will feature world premiere commissioned compositions by Jory Herman and Eunike Tanzil, alongside music by Kian Ravaei and Toru Takemitsu. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. $18-$48.<\/p>\n
Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.: Art of Elan musicians will premiere original compositions created by local high school and college students who participate in the organization\u2019s Young Artists in Harmony program. (ARTS) A Reason To Survive ARTS, 200 East 12th St., National City. Free.<\/p>\n
Sunday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.: The popular multimedia \u201cSounds & Swells\u201d series pairs live string quartet music with surf films commissioned by Art of Elan in collaboration with filmmakers from around the world. The program celebrates California\u2019s coastal culture while exploring the relationship between music, movement and the natural world. The Conrad, La Jolla. $18-$53.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.: Guest ensemble Wind Sync will join Art of Elan musicians for the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Kian Ravaei, plus music written by Jeff Scott and Astor Piazzolla that highlights connections between classical, jazz and tango traditions. Union Hall Gallery, 2323 Broadway, Suite 201, San Diego. $18-$48.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m.: Inspired by Mingei\u2019s Skate Craft exhibition, this retrospective concert will revisit some of Art of Elan\u2019s most memorable musical collaborations and audience favorites from the past 20 years, including works by Missy Mazzoli, Eve Beglarian, Kevin Puts, Osvaldo Golijov and Marco Granados. Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park. $18-$48.<\/p>\n
Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m.: Art of Elan\u2019s resident HAWK Quartet performs Beethoven\u2019s monumental String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130, exploring one of classical music\u2019s most daring and influential artistic statements. Venue to be announced. $18-$48.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, May 18 at 8 p.m.: Grammy Award-winning composer Caroline Shaw and songwriter Danni Lee will present their celebrated project, Ringdown, which blurs the boundaries between contemporary classical music, indie folk and electronic music. Presented in collaboration with UC San Diego\u2019s ArtPower. The Loft at UC San Diego. 3151 Matthews Lane, La Jolla. $18-$78.<\/p>\n
Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.: One of the most praised composers of her generation, Caroline Shaw will join Art of Elan musicians for an intimate evening featuring selections from her extensive body of work. The JAI at The Conrad, La Jolla. $18-$78.<\/p>\n
Saturday, May 29 at 2 p.m.: The spring Young Artists in Harmony will present newly composed works developed through Art of Elan\u2019s intensive mentorship program. (ARTS) A Reason To Survive, National City. Free.<\/p>\n
Sunday, June 27 from 12-7 p.m.: The \u201cCollective Wisdom\u201d festival will celebrate the artists, organizations and creative partnerships that have helped define Art of Elan\u2019s first 20 years. Inspired by Mingei\u2019s Heartbeats exhibition, the festival will feature various performances throughout the museum in collaboration with Camarada, Bach Collegium, San Diego New Music, Hausmann Quartet, Malashock Dance, SACRA\/PROFANA and others. Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park. Free to $150.<\/p>\n